https://www.solarreviews.com/ Find solar prices from the best solar companies Solar en-us https://www.solarreviews.com/news/suntuity-solar-will-donate-500-for-every-rooftop-installation-in-new-jersey-070717 Suntuity Solar is using solar power to raise money for nonprofit organizations with its new website solarforgood.com. Solar For Good is a community outreach program that will educate homeowners and businesses about the benefits of solar. Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:12:04 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-host-global-climate-action-summit-2018-paris-climate-agreement-070717 California Gov. Edmund Brown (D) announced that the state would host the Global Climate Action Summit in September 2018. The summit will support the Paris Climate Agreement and efforts to reduce climate change despite Trump's decision to pull US out of it Fri, 07 Jul 2017 13:44:02 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/virginia-albemarle-county-makes-solar-easier-achieves-solsmart-status-070717 Albemarle County, VA, is the latest community to achieve a SolSmart Designation for making it easier to go solar in the community by reducing the soft costs of solar, like permitting costs and wait times. The count achieved SolSmart Bronze. Fri, 07 Jul 2017 12:40:58 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/university-of-washington-solar-powered-battery-free-cell-phone-070617 Engineers at the University of Washington have designed a battery-free cellphone powered by either ambient radio signals solar power. The new device sends and receives calls with only a few microwatts of power and demonstrated its capabilities with Skype. Thu, 06 Jul 2017 14:30:06 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/abandoned-tennessee-nuclear-plant-new-life-solar-farm-070617 Construction on the Phipps Bend Nuclear Power plant kicked off in 1978, but was abandoned in the 80's. Now, thanks to solar power, the abandoned site once again is providing energy for the region. Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:35:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/raleigh-nc-installs-free-cellphone-charging-benches-in-downtown-area-070617 Need a quick cellphone charge when you are on the go? Visitors and residents in Raleigh, NC, can now charge their cellphones at three free solar-powered Soofa Bench charging stations in the downtown area. Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:44:18 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/shell-renewables-genertion-portfolio-mp2-energy-purchase-070517 Late last month Shell Energy North America (SENA) announced it planned to acquire MP2 Energy. The acquisition will increase Shell's renewable energy portfolio and options. Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:35:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community-solar-projects-could-drive-economic-growth-in-CAs-san-joaquin-valley-070517 A new report has found that expanding community choice energy (CCE) programs and developing larger-scale solar projects in California’s San Joaquin Valley could create 8,400 jobs and $845 million in economic activity between 2019 and 2024. Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:26:37 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2019-volvo-vehicles-electric-motors-070517 The Swedish car manufacturer today announced (July 5) that as of 2019 all its new models will have electric motors. This marks the first time a major auto manufacturer has made an announcement to transition to electric motors in all its vehicles. Wed, 05 Jul 2017 12:27:29 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/princeton-researchers-solar-powered-smart-window-heat-cool-070417 Researchers have been investigating creating invisible or nearly invisible solar cells that could absorb light while still remaining transparent. Now a group of Princeton University engineers have developed a system that could generate electricity . Tue, 04 Jul 2017 10:30:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rock-art-brewery-wants-you-to-enjoy-its-sun-kissed-suds-now-brought-to-you-by-solar-070317 It’s the perfect time of year to sit in the sun, watch the grass grow and drink a beer brewed with solar power. Morrisville, VT’s Rock Art Brewery celebrated becoming the first brewery in the Green Mountain State to get all of its energy from solar. Mon, 03 Jul 2017 13:09:11 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Massachusetts-grant-4.7-million-to-9-projects-to-reduce-peak-time-use-070417 Massachusetts is looking for solutions to curb peak hour use throughout the Commonwealth by granting nearly $4.7 million to 9 pilot projects. Peak demand throughout Massachusetts is four-percent of its total yearly energy load. Tue, 04 Jul 2017 09:30:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bet-on-future-spacecraft-solar-propelled-aerojet-070417 Solar power has long been used to power electronics on board of spacecraft. Now, more aerospace companies are looking at ways of propelling spacecraft with the sun as Aerojet Rocketdyne is doing. Tue, 04 Jul 2017 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-expand-energy-storage-200-megawatt-hours-070317 The state of Massachusetts knows that building a better, more reliable electric grid with more renewable energy will require energy storage to help reduce consumers’ electric bills. As such, the state will add 200 megawatt hours of energy storage by 202 Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreveiws-wekly-review-lightyear-solar-car-la-solar-roof-dc-united-070317 As summer gets into full swing and heats up, so is the solar news. Last week was interesting as a fully solar-powered electric vehicle was announced, one of the largest rooftop solar projects came online in Los Angeles and DC's soccer team went solar. Mon, 03 Jul 2017 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dc-united-scores-big-goal-with-new-884kw-solar-project-at-home-pitch-063017 Capitol soccer team, DC United’s home turf just got brighter with the announcement that the team will install 884 kilowatts of solar at Audi Field in Washington DC. The system will be installed on the stadium’s canopy. Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:03:55 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lightyear-shines-solar-powered-car-challenge-tesla-063017 A new Dutch startup, Lightyear, introduced its plans yesterday (June 29) to launch Lightyear 1, a four-wheel drive, solar-powered car it said will have a range of able to drive for months without charging and a battery range of 800 kilometers—500 miles. Fri, 30 Jun 2017 14:23:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/oregon-comission-moves-forward-community-solar-more-needs-done-063017 Oregon’s utility commission approved community solar rules, allowing 150 megawatts of community solar projects to serve Oregonians, with at least 10 percent of that reserved for low-income residents. Advocates hailed the new rules but more must be done. Fri, 30 Jun 2017 10:06:10 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/esa-first-ceo-stregthening-key-solar-ally-062917 Solar power and energy storage will go hand-in-hand as costs of both technologies continue to come down and energy storage is used to reduce energy costs even more. So it’s fitting that the Energy Storage Association is getting its first CEO. Thu, 29 Jun 2017 15:47:51 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/la-brings-massive-16.4mw-rooftop-solar-online-062917 Southern California is celebrating the commission of 16.4 megawatts of rooftop solar at the Westmont Solar Energy Project located near the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, CA, covering 2 million square feet of warehouse roof space. Thu, 29 Jun 2017 14:47:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-solar-panel-efficiency-duke-u-062817 As the world now knows air pollution is bad. It’s bad to breathe and it’s bad for the environment. Turns out it's bad for solar power, too. A new study from Duke University found airborne particles can reduce efficiency by 25 percent. Wed, 28 Jun 2017 15:57:14 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/aurora-solar-park-150mws-solar-land-of-lakes-062817 Operations have started at the 150 megawatt Aurora Solar Park in Minnesota, making the state an explosive solar market to watch in 2017. The solar park is a chain of 16 small-scale solar farms strategically placed throughout Minnesota. Wed, 28 Jun 2017 13:31:17 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind-slar-renewables-now-more-us-energy-than-nuclear-062817 During the first third of 2017 renewable energy, including hydroelectric power as well as newer sources like solar and wind power, provided more of the US’s electricity (20.75 percent) supply than nuclear (20.2 percent), a first since the nuclear era. Wed, 28 Jun 2017 11:11:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sepa-announces-power-player-awards-2017-062717 With the 2017 SEPA Power Player Awards, the nonprofit Smart Electric Power Alliance recognizes utilities, industry partners, individuals and others for their efforts to transform the electric system in the US. The awards have expanded in 2017. Tue, 27 Jun 2017 15:43:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/uc-merced-to-power-campus-with-50-percent-solar-plans-for-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2020-062717 The University of California (UC), Merced is about to generate 50 percent of its total energy demands with solar power by developing a 5 megawatt solar installation on campus. Wed, 28 Jun 2017 14:10:25 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/baseload-power-outdated-idea-flexibility-key-grid-062717 The US has relied on so-called baseload electricity since the electric grid was established and began to grow across the country. But as wind, solar and natural gas are able to provide reliable, lower-cost energy it's time to retire baseload power. Tue, 27 Jun 2017 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mayors-pushing-climate-protection-062617 During the US Conference of Mayors annual conference last week USCM and the Center for C2ES introduced the early results of a new survey showing that an overwhelming majority of mayors are interested in working with each other. Mon, 26 Jun 2017 15:36:35 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/offgrid-solar-hybrid-water-heating-helps-arctic-circle-alaskans-grow-produce-year-round-062617 Eleven Inupiat tribe villages near Kotzebue, Alaska, 26-miles north of the Arctic Circle, will grow fresh vegetables in a 26-foot hydroponic trailer all year, thanks to the sun and an innovative solar-powered heating system. Thu, 29 Jun 2017 09:42:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-good-bad-sides-clean-energy-jobs-banks-062617 Last week we got a glimpse of how many clean energy jobs California has—more than a half million, but at the same time we learned killing President Barak Obama’s (D) Clean Power Plan is a missed opportunity to create another half million jobs. Mon, 26 Jun 2017 10:55:41 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nextgen-climate-kicks-off-campaign-engage-youth-voters-062317 The campaigns for the 2018 election season are getting under swing already. Yesterday (June 22) NextGen Climate launched NextGen Rising an effort to register, motivate, persuade, and turn out thousands of young voters during the 2018 election cycle. Fri, 23 Jun 2017 14:40:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hybrid-microgrid-to-power-save-offgrid-business-money-in-us-virgin-island-062317 An off-grid commercial facility on Saint Croix in the US Virgin Islands is installing a hybrid microgrid. The microgrid will combine solar power from six 33 kilowatt photovoltaic arrays, a 300 kilowatt-hour battery and diesel generators. Fri, 23 Jun 2017 13:10:00 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-green-bank-3m-profits-292m-investments-062317 New York’s Green Bank is showing that investing in green technologies and reducing emissions is profitable. The state-run bank, which launched in 2014, said that in the fiscal year of 2016-2017 it generated $2.7 million in positive net income. Fri, 23 Jun 2017 10:44:13 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/big-banks-fueling-climate-change-fossil-fuel-062217 In 2016 the world’s biggest banks invested $87 billion into extreme fossil fuels, which include tar sands, Arctic, and ultra-deepwater oil as well as coal mining and other efforts, helping speed climate change. While that’s 22 percent less than in 201 Thu, 22 Jun 2017 15:04:45 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/maines-legislature-votes-in-favor-of-preserving-netmetering-expand-community-solar-062217 Maine’s pro-solar bill, Legislative Document (LD) 1504, passed a preliminary round of voting with unanimous support in the state’s Senate and 90 to 54 in the House. If signed into law, the bill would extend current net-metering policies until 2021. Thu, 22 Jun 2017 15:25:57 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/run-on-less-campaign-launches-fuel-efficiency-trucking-062217 Transportation is still one of the biggest places where companies can become more efficient and reduce the amount of pollution they emit. Now a new campaign, Run on Less, is looking to show how fleets of tractor trailers can reduce their emissions. Thu, 22 Jun 2017 09:15:58 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-offers-6-million-emerging-energy-storage-tech-062117 To help speed the growth of new energy storage technologies the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering up to $6.3 million to emerging energy storage technologies to support more renewables and the electric grid. Wed, 21 Jun 2017 15:39:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-green-power-to-develop-200mw-utility-scale-solar-by-2020-062117 Georgia is getting 200 megawatts of utility-scale solar, enough to power 35,000 homes annually, at four locations in the southeastern region of the state, thanks to a partnership between Green Power Electric Membership Corporations and Silicon Ranch Wed, 21 Jun 2017 14:14:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-power-plan-missed-opportuntity-560k-jobs-062117 The Clean Power Plan that former President Barack Obama (D) enacted had a lot of positives. It would cut average household electricity bills by 7 percent in 2030. At the same time it would create $52 billion in gross domestic product and 560,000 new jobs. Wed, 21 Jun 2017 09:48:41 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshine-state-implements-amendment-4-rooftop-solar-062017 Florida’s residential and commercial rooftop solar market is open for business, thanks to Gov. Rick Scott (R) signing Senate Bill 90 (SB 90) into law. The bill implements Amendment 4, which exempts rooftop solar arrays personal property taxes. Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:52:58 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/illinois-ready-distributed-energy-sepa-report-062017 A new report from ScottMadden and Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) shows that Illinois has been quietly preparing for a distributed energy future by making policy changes and other progressive actions. Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:55:15 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind-solar-not-endangering-us-electric-grid-062017 Some worry that the variability of solar power and wind power could impact the grid's reliability. But a new report out from the Analysis Group finds that there’s no evidence that changing the US’s power mix is impacting the grid’s reliability. Tue, 20 Jun 2017 10:36:52 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/more-than-half-million-people-clean-energy-california-061917 A new study from E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) found that more than 519,000 Californians now work in clean energy. The study included those working in renewables, energy efficiency and clean vehicles as well as California climate policies. Mon, 19 Jun 2017 16:05:37 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cogenra-solar-installs-227kw-solar-array-university-arizona-061917 Cogenra Solar has installed a 227 kilowatt a hybrid rooftop array at the Solar Zone in the University of Arizona Tech Park. The hybrid system will provide the 70,547 square-foot Building 9070 on the UA Tech Park’s campus with its electricity demands. Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:02:51 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-renewable-milestone-states-solar-support-0619117 Most of the news in the solar and renewable energy world was positive last week from states moving forward with progressive solar policies, to renewables powering 10 percent of the US grid for a month to companies raising large funds to spur growth. Mon, 19 Jun 2017 12:37:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada-gov-signs-solar-bill-of-rights-into-lae-061617 As anticipated Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) signed into law the state’s Solar Bill of Rights (AB 405). The bill reopens net-metering in the state and gives homeowners assurances that rates won’t change and protects them from shady solar sales tactic Fri, 16 Jun 2017 12:25:43 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/suniva-trade-case-could-cost-90000-gov-approves-061617 When Suniva filed for bankruptcy in April it did not go gently into that good night. It shortly after filed a trade petition seeking tariffs on imported solar panels, holding essentially the whole US solar industry and its jobs hostage. Fri, 16 Jun 2017 10:00:50 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/potluck-energy-sunbug-first-community-solar-project-somerville-sold-out-061617 Potluck Energy and SunBug Solar are celebrating the completion of a 22-kilowatt subscription-based, community solar installation in Somerville, MA. The first community solar project in the city offers customers the flexibility to go solar for 6 months. Fri, 16 Jun 2017 08:24:20 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind-solar-unstoppable-tide-new-energy-coal-fossil-061517 By 2030 the cost of renewables will undercut the majority existing fossil fuel power stations in terms of price, found Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) in its New Energy Outlook 2017, released today (June 15). I Thu, 15 Jun 2017 11:32:35 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hasbro-purchases-25000-mw-hours-renewables-061517 Hasbro, the toy company that created Nerf, My Little Pony and Transformers, has purchased 25,699 megawatt-hours of renewable energy certificates (RECs) from 3Degrees to offset 99.6 percent of its 2016 global electricity consumption. Thu, 15 Jun 2017 10:50:25 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wind-reach-10percent-milestone-producing-10percent-us-energy-061517 Solar and wind power have now together produced more than 10 percent of the US’s electric needs for the month of March 2017. It’s the first time that the penetration of renewables has been so high in the US. Thu, 15 Jun 2017 10:38:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunnova-close-to-1-billion-raised-3-months-rooftop-solar-061417 To say Sunnova’s been busy raising capital lately is an understatement. The company announced June 13 that in last three months it’s raised a total of $915 million to support its residential solar services. Wed, 14 Jun 2017 12:15:58 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/online-rooftop-solar-market-mass-solar-connect-061417 Pick My Solar, an online solar marketplace, in partnership with Self-Reliance and the Marion Institute is making it easier for home and business owners along the southeastern coast of Massachusetts to go solar through the 2017 Mass Solar Connect program. Wed, 14 Jun 2017 12:04:41 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/quality-home-services-solar-giveaway-061417 Someone in California will win a 3.9 kilowatt SunPower solar rooftop array this year valued at nearly $9,000, thanks to SunPower by Quality Home Services. The company is holding a random drawing and people can register through Nov. 1. Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:00:02 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarize-rhode-island-kicks-off-cranston-061317 Solarize Rhode Island has partnered with RGS Energy to provide homeowners and businesses in Cranston with the chance to sign up for a community-wide solar discount program. Tue, 13 Jun 2017 11:04:37 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mgm-resorts-ups-green-game-061317 Casinos bring in a lot of green and now MGM resorts is making more by investing in clean energy and the environment. The company released its annual corporate social responsibility report this week, it also outlined its most recent sustainability efforts. Tue, 13 Jun 2017 09:20:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-solarworld-high-performer-reliability-scorecard-061317 DNV GL introduced the third version of its PV Module Reliability Scorecard 2017 with several newcomers, among them SunPower and SolarWorld, achieving high-performing scores in the report. Tue, 13 Jun 2017 08:00:02 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-returns-nevada-net-metering-returning-061217 It looks like Nevada is open for rooftop solar again. Now, Vivint Solar announced that it will, once again, open operations across Nevada, bringing 80 to 100 jobs to the state. Mon, 12 Jun 2017 12:52:06 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-power-more-renewables-energyforward-061217 Minnesota Power announced its EnergyForward plans to transition to 44 percent renewable energy by 2025 using solar, wind and natural gas. The utility would add a total of 510 megawatts of renewable and natural gas between now and 2025 under a new filing. Mon, 12 Jun 2017 11:56:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-world-record-renewables-us-pushes-against-trump-061217 Last week it came to light the world installed a record 161 gigawatts of renewables. That news comes as more in the US are pushing against President Donald Trump’s decision to exit the Paris Agreement. Sun, 11 Jun 2017 23:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-adds-161-gws-renewables-2016-costing-23percent-less-060817 Last year the world saw 161 gigawatts of new renewable energy installed, almost 9 percent more than was installed in 2015, raising the amount of renewable energy online across the world to 2,017 gigawatts. Fri, 09 Jun 2017 16:24:37 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-entrepreneur-opportunities-nepal-chitwan-park-060817 The remote Chitwan National Park Ranger Outpost, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nepal, is getting outfitted with a rooftop solar array. At the same time 10 local women will be trained as solar industry entrepreneurs. Fri, 09 Jun 2017 15:26:49 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-companies-states-cities-tell-world-we-are-still-in-paris-agreement-060817 Earlier this week over 1,200 signatories publicly declared their intent to adhere to the Paris Agreement and have issued an open letter to the international community and created WeAreStillIn.com to show their support of the agreement. Fri, 09 Jun 2017 11:46:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/16-megawatt-community-solar-south-carolina-060817 South Carolina residents and others will have a chance to go solar without putting it on their roofs, thanks to a new 16 megawatt portfolio of community solar projects being built by Clean Energy Collective (CEC) for SCE&G customers. Thu, 08 Jun 2017 16:13:59 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sun-shines-washington-wizard-verizon-center-goes-25percent-060817 The Washington Wizards will play under the power of the sun on their home court at the Verizon Center next season. Arena owner, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, will get 4.7-million kilowatt-hours of solar electricity delivered annually. Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:20:41 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaii-first-state-paris-agreement-state-law-060717 The little islands way out West of mainland US are leading the way on climate change. The state is currently the only one with a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio and now it’s become the first state in nation to sign aspects of the accord into law. Wed, 07 Jun 2017 14:18:48 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dominion-coronel-energy-develop-20-megawatt-essex-solar-060717 As part of a $1 billion investment to install 500 megawatts of solar, Virginia’s Dominion Energy is developing the 20 MW Essex Solar Center on 174-acres. The project will help preserve the land at the former campus of Rappanhannock Industrial Academy. Wed, 07 Jun 2017 12:56:09 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-inks-climate-deal-chinese-province-060717 On Monday (June 5) California Gov. Edmund Brown Jr. (D) signed an agreement with California's sister state, Jiangsu Province, to to broaden bilateral collaboration on climate action. Wed, 07 Jun 2017 12:19:07 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/positive-events-neveda-shine-solar-industry-sunrun-back-060617 Recently Nevada passed a Solar Bill of Rights (AB 405) would reinstate retail rate net-metering, bringing back the rooftop solar industry to the sun-drenched state. The positive actions were enough for Sunrun to announce that it would re-enter the market. Tue, 06 Jun 2017 15:46:50 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/powervault-testing-renault-used-ev-batteries-solar-eenrgy-060617 Powervault is teaming up with Renault to test the French automaker’s used electric vehicle (EV) batteries as smart battery storage systems for its solar installations. The partnership is expected to reduce the cost of Powervault’s system by 30 percent Tue, 06 Jun 2017 15:21:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachuetts-smart-solar-moves-forward-advocates-cautiously-optomistic-060617 Massachusetts has become one of the nation’s biggest solar power success stories boasting the nation’s second largest solar workforce, thanks in part to its solar incentive programs. Now the state is close to launching the new SMART solar program. Tue, 06 Jun 2017 10:52:14 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sp-analysts-trump-pullout-paris-poll-shows-americans-disagree-060517 President Donald Trump (R) announced that he would pull out of the Paris climate agreement. The controversial decision has been decried by businesses, cities and states. Now a new poll shows nearly 60 percent of people in the US oppose Trump's action. Mon, 05 Jun 2017 15:37:22 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunrun-brings-residential-solar-20-year-contracts-texas-060517 Sunrun has teamed up with Think Energy, a subsidiary of ENGIE Resources, to offer its residential solar services in Texas. The companies will offer homeowners options including purchasing, leases or other financing options for rooftop solar installation. Mon, 05 Jun 2017 11:57:53 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-trump-out-paris-world-reach-307-gws-060517 Last week President Donald Trump (R) announced that he would pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on climate change or seek to renegotiate it. That news comes as SolarPower Europe announced the world now has 306.5 gigawatts of solar power installed. Mon, 05 Jun 2017 11:28:48 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-create-40k-clean-energy-jobs-060217 New York, Governor Anthony Cuomo (D) has already pledged to uphold New York’s respective commitment to the accord and today (June 2) announced that the state is launching the Clean Climate Careers initiative to create 40,000 clean energy jobs. Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:27:56 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/califorinia-senate-passes-3-bills-100-percent-renewable-060217 The California State Senate took control of its energy future on May 31, passing SB 100, the California Clean Energy Act of 2017, and two other renewable energy bills to transition the state to 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:03:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-pullout-paris-agreement-climate-america-behind-060217 President Donald Trump (R) made what many—from states and cities to environmental advocates, and more—are calling a terrible decision, to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Agreement. It’s a controversial move making the US an international pari Fri, 02 Jun 2017 10:13:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/8minuteenergy-renewables-energy-storage-1gw-pipeline-060117 8minutenergy is entering into energy storage in a big way, with a 1 gigawatt project pipeline. The company has over 700 megawatts of solar power in operation in California, will build stand-alone and hybrid energy storage projects. Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:17:35 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pseg-shutters-coal-fired-plants-new-jersey-clean-energy-future-060117 Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) has started the process of shuttering the Mercer and Hudson coal-fired power plants in New Jersey. They are the last two coal plants in the utility’s service area. Thu, 01 Jun 2017 13:22:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-pull-out-paris-agreement-environment-advocates-060117 During the campaign then candidate Donald Trump (R) pledged to pull the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement, which was signed by almost every country. Now, it appears he is on the verge of making such a decision, upsetting advocates and businesses. Thu, 01 Jun 2017 10:35:42 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/daymak-introduces-solar-powered-ebike-stations-053117 Toronto’s Daymak, an ebike manufacturer, announced the launch of its EC1 Special Edition (SE) electric bicycle and a solar charging station. The station has wireless charging capabilities and can charge the EC1’s battery within 4 to 6 hours. Wed, 31 May 2017 15:50:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ziplock-cleaner-as-sc-johnson-manufacturing-site-wind-053117 Earlier this month SC Johnson, the company that makes Ziploc bags, announced that it’s piloting a program to allow its bags to be recycled with all other plastics. Now it’s making them even more environmentally friendly, by powering the facility where Wed, 31 May 2017 15:12:54 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/xcel-generated-25-percent-customer-electricity-renewables-2016-053117 Xcel Energy produced 25 percent of the electricity it supplied to customers in 2016 from renewables, with 1 gigawatt coming from solar and 6.7 gigawatts coming from wind. That’s according to its 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report. Wed, 31 May 2017 14:40:52 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-inustry-creates-principals-solar-rate-design-policies-053117 In 2017 40 states and Washington, DC, have already considered changing their solar policies for rooftops and more. To help states and regulators implement fair net-metering and solar energy reimbursement rate structures solar advocates created a new guide Wed, 31 May 2017 10:00:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-suniva-bankruptcy-low-cost-solar-arizona-053017 Last week saw new twists and turns in the Suniva bankruptcy even case while a new solar farm in Arizona is coming in at historically low prices. Meanwhile, the renewable energy industries continue to grow in the US and across the world. Tue, 30 May 2017 11:43:44 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hanover-olympic-first-net-zero-rentals-la-053017 The 263 unit Hanover Olympic apartment building in the heart of Los Angeles has become the first rental property in the city to offer net zero-energy apartments outfitted with individual solar installations. Tue, 30 May 2017 09:24:18 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada-assembly-passes-pro-solar-legislation-solar-bill-of-rights-052617 Solar advocates in Nevada are excited about the passage of revised Assembly Bill 405 through the State Assembly with a 38-2 vote. The bill would restore net-metering for every rooftop solar customer in the state and includes a Solar Bill of Right. Fri, 26 May 2017 00:30:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/eve-now-cleanest-cars-us-climate-central-052617 Climate Central has issued new research showing that EVs in most states are now the US’s cleanest vehicles—considering everything from manufacturing to vehicle life—they're even cleaner than hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Fri, 26 May 2017 09:15:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tep-signs-contract-solar-farm-3-cents-per-kilowatt-hout-052617 A new, 100 megawatt (MW) solar farm being built by NextEra Energy for Tuscon Electric Power (TEP) will produce electricity at less than 3 cents per kilowatt hour—that’s a historically low price for solar in the US—if not the world. Fri, 26 May 2017 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/virginiasaves-support-clean-energy-va-schools-5m-bond-052517 Russell County Public Schools in Virginia are receiving $5.6 million in bonds to finance solar and energy efficient improvements in 16 buildings at 9 schools, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) announced. That’s thanks to the VirginiaSAVES program. Tue, 30 May 2017 11:05:42 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/camelot-theatres-cool-silver-screen-solar-cold-energy-storage-052517 Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs, CA, is celebrating the summer by cooling down its three-screen movie house with a new solar-plus-ice-battery-storage system. The 73.6 kilowatt rooftop solar array will power the theater and its unique new HVAC system. Thu, 25 May 2017 10:52:18 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wordwide-renewable-energy-employs-nearly-10-million-052517 In its latest Renewable Energy and Jobs—Annual Review 2017, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) found that more than 9.8 million people were employed in renewable energy in 2016. The report covers the spectrum of renewable energy industrie Thu, 25 May 2017 10:11:13 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/suniva-bankruptcy-itc-considering-petition-holding-solar-industry-ransom-052417 Suniva's bankruptcy is placing most of the US solar industry at risk over a controversial filing with the International Trade Commission (ITC). The commission decided to hear the petition this week. One of Suniva’s investors pushed for the filing. Wed, 24 May 2017 15:01:24 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ameren-testing-microgrid-illinois-solar-wind-storage-gas-052417 Ameren Corp. is piloting the first investor-owned utility microgrid able to island customers on an active utility feed. The system will integrate wind, solar, energy storage and natural gas-based electric generation. Wed, 24 May 2017 14:38:50 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-vandebery-air-force-getting-28mw-solar-farm-052417 Vandenberg Air Force Base in California will soon host the Air Force’s largest behind-the-meter solar farm, a 28 megawatt solar farm where all the energy produced is consumed onsite. The project, being built by SunPower, will provide 35% of its energy. Wed, 24 May 2017 10:41:14 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunetric-sunnova-hawaia-solar-plus-storage-052317 In Hawaii, which has the nation’s most aggressive renewable energy portfolio standard, Sunetric and Sunnova have partnered to offer home solar power with energy storage systems. Tue, 23 May 2017 15:26:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fpl-shuttering-more-coal-for-solar-natural-gas-052317 Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and the Jacksonville Energy Authority announced on May 22 that they filed a plan to shutter the 1.3 gigawatt coal-fired St. Johns River Power Park plant near Jacksonville, FL, by the end of 2017. Tue, 23 May 2017 14:15:24 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-budget-slashes-renewable-energy-support-052317 To the dismay of the solar and renewable energy industries, President Donald Trump's (R) first budget proposal imposes many of the draconian cuts he promised putting millions of jobs at risk this morning disdaining clean energy industries. Tue, 23 May 2017 11:15:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgetown-mews-multi-building-rooftop-solar-oasis-nyc-052217 Housing cooperative Georgetown Mews is becoming a solar-powered oasis in the middle of Queens in New York City. That's thanks to a partnership with Sol Alliance to construct 1.56 megawatts of rooftop solar across 90 roof surfaces on 32 buildings. Mon, 22 May 2017 13:08:45 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/6-states-generate-20percent-from-renewables-052217 Six states now get 20 percent or more of their electric generation from renewable energy, not including utility-scale hydro generation. Three now get 30 percent or more from renewables—and they’re not the ones most would expect. Mon, 22 May 2017 11:46:39 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-us-solar-home-growth-slows-utilities-add-solar-052217 Utilities are continuing to ramp up solar power and renewable energy, and some are starting to reduce the costs of solar power. Meanwhile the news in solar power last week also found that the residential solar industry in the US saw a big drop in the firs Mon, 22 May 2017 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pge-cuts-costs-solar-choice-program-30percent-051917 The cost to participate in Pacific Gas and Electric’s Solar Choice program is falling—thanks to the utility’s continued investment in solar power. The program allows its customers to source up to 100 percent of their electricity from solar power. Fri, 19 May 2017 13:06:03 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/unhcr-ikea-first-refugee-solar-farm-jordan-051917 Electricity in the modern world is only a necessity, but a human right. Now the Azraq refugee camp in Jordan has access to electricity thanks to a 2 megawatt solar farm funded through a partnership between the UNHCR and the Ikea Foundation. Fri, 19 May 2017 11:49:14 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-yorkcity-buys-30-envision-solar-powered-ev-chargers-051917 Under a new three-year contract with Envision, New York City is adding in new at least 30 solar-powered EV ARC electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The agreement is helping the city achieve Mayor Bill de Blasio's NYC Clean Fleet initiative. Fri, 19 May 2017 11:22:28 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-brings-mercedes-benz-energy-storage-us-051817 Vivint Solar’s customers might soon have one the most coveted symbols in their garages or on their homes. Under a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz Energy, Vivint Solar will be the first company in the US to offer Mercedes-Benz's energy storage systems Thu, 18 May 2017 15:39:45 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/more-renewables-less-coal-detroit-carbon-emissions-80percent-051817 DTE Energy of Michigan will cut its carbon emissions more than 80 percent by 2050 as it moves to cleaner energy sources and away from coal-fired power plants, which it will continue to decommission. It will source 75 percent of its power from renewables. Thu, 18 May 2017 11:12:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/stanford-psych-greenely-reduce-electric-use-california-051817 Using what they call ‘dynamic norm feedback’ to show how others are saving energy Greenely and Stanford University are launching Greenely Go in California, a mobile app to help PG&E customers reduce their energy use. Thu, 18 May 2017 10:50:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-home-solar-growth-slowed-17percent-gtm-reserach-051717 Ahead of the latest Q2 2017 U.S. Solar Market Insight from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association, GTM Research said it has observed a steep slow down—17 percent—in the amount of new homes going solar. Wed, 17 May 2017 16:11:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/china-indias-paris-agreement-commiments-replace-us-trump-051717 President Donald Trump (R) has threatened to pull out of the Paris Agreement, but now emissions reductions in China and India are planning to make could almost make up for the amount the US committed to reduce its emissions by. Wed, 17 May 2017 15:08:39 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy-storage-solar-more-valuable-affordable-housing-051717 With rate changes in California savings from rooftop solar could fall by as much as 50 percent for those in multifamily affordable housing. However, a new study from Clean Energy Group showed that solar+storage could restore and increase the savings. Wed, 17 May 2017 14:21:08 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarworld-americas-operates-as-usual-despite-parents-insolvancy-051617 Last week news that SolarWorld AG, the parent company of SolarWorld Americas, filed for bankruptcy. However, the US subsidiary, based in Hillsboro, OR, is operating as usual. The company said it is maintaining full operations act the facility. Tue, 16 May 2017 16:32:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-benefit-low-income-homes-cesa-shows-how-guide-050617 No one can benefit more from solar than low-income households. Giving low-income people access to solar can reduce their electric bills. CESA’s new guide, Bringing the Benefits of Solar Energy to Low-Income Consumers, shows how they can do it. Tue, 16 May 2017 15:44:09 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewable-energy-leaders-dismayed-no-response-perry-051617 Last month, four of the nation’s leading renewable energy organizations issued a letter calling for Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rick Perry to make his review of the US energy market open and informed. Now they are expressing their disappointmen Tue, 16 May 2017 15:03:55 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida-solar-industry-sunny-amendment-close-implementation-051517 Earlier this month the Florida legislature passed legislation that will implement Amendment 4, a solar-friendly amendment that was supported by 73 percent of voters in the state. With the unanimous passage of SB 90, the bill now moves to Gov. Rick Scott. Mon, 15 May 2017 13:28:43 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/varta-introduces-plug-and-play-energy-storage-revamps-line-051517 Varta Storage has revamped its line of home energy storage systems and introduced the new compact plug-and-play Varta pulse battery systems to the European market. The new, 3.3 kilowatt-hour Varta pulse storage systems install in 30 minutes. Mon, 15 May 2017 13:12:28 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-tesla-solar-roof-solar-tops-lists-051517 Even as Tesla announced pricing for its Solar Roof, SolarWorld announced its insolvency. It was that type of week for the solar industry, mostly good news, but mixed with some bad news. Mon, 15 May 2017 09:38:39 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarworld-latest-photovoltaic-manufacturer-bankruptcy-051217 SolarWorld, an international solar panel manufacturer headquartered in Germany and with a manufacturing facility in Oregon filed for insolvency in Bonn, Germany this week. It’s the latest solar manufacturer to fall with the news coming shortly after the Fri, 12 May 2017 14:56:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivimt-solar-opening-retail-locations-051217 Vivint Solar is going beyond its door-to-door sales model by introducing kiosks at retail locations in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, California and Utah by the end of June. It plans to expand its retail operations to more states this year. Fri, 12 May 2017 13:46:17 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/utility-scale-solar-fastest-growing-source-electrcity-051217 By the end of 2016 the US had 21.5 gigawatts of utility-scale solar power online. It’s an impressive capstone for an industry that’s grown at an average rate of 72 percent annually between 2010 and 2016—faster than any other generating source in the Fri, 12 May 2017 11:26:07 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-study-shows-solar-fastest-growing-us-job-051117 A new study out from SmartAsset found that the fastest-growing job in the US is photovoltaic installer. The report, which used Bureau of Labor Statistics data, found that the overall unemployment rate was 4.5 percent as of March 2017. Mon, 15 May 2017 09:09:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/boston-tops-aceees-scorecard-energy-efficiency-051117 Boston scored 84.5 out of a possible 100 points in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE’s) latest City Energy Efficiency Scorecard. On the other end of the spectrum, Birmingham, AL, accumulated only 7 out of 100 points. Thu, 11 May 2017 14:29:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-solar-roof-to-cost-less-than-standard-roof-051117 Tesla CEO Elon Musk introduced its solar roof last October and had dropped teasers about it ever since, promising that the cost of the nearly invisible solar roof tiles would be less than that of a traditional roof now it's unveiled their cost. Thu, 11 May 2017 11:14:20 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bipartisan-advanced-energy-storage-caucus-launches-051017 Energy storage is the next solar power—in terms of a new revolution for the energy sector. The newly launched Congressional Advanced Energy Storage Caucus initiated by U.S. Reps. Chris Collins (R-NY) and Mark Takano (D-CA). Wed, 10 May 2017 16:16:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arkansas-solar-capacity-nearly-quintuple-81mw-nextera-project-051017 NextEra Energy and Entergy Arkansas broke ground on an 81-megawatt solar project farm near Stuttgart, AR, that will alone be nearly four times larger than the state’s existing 21 megawatts of installed solar. Wed, 10 May 2017 15:22:13 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/virginia-gov-mcauliffe-signs-solar-clean-energy-legslation-051017 On Monday (May 8) Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) signed 11 clean energy bills into law, supporting the growth of solar power, energy storage and clean energy. The new laws enjoyed bipartisan support and also will improve energy efficiency in the state. Wed, 10 May 2017 11:05:43 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/22-new-cities-counties-join-solsmart-communities-050917 The Solar Foundation announced that 22 communities were recently designated as SolSmart communities, with nine of them achieving SolSmart Gold, the highest designation. In just over a year 58 communities were recognized by the program. Tue, 09 May 2017 15:38:47 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/indiana-gov-holcomb-elminates-solar-net-metering-2022-050917 Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed controversial State Bill 309 into law, which will end new net-metering for solar powered homes and businesses after 2022. The move was criticized by solar industry advocates, environmentalists and community leaders. Tue, 09 May 2017 14:23:45 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-sees-solar-boom-2016-explosion-2017-050917 The biggest year for solar power in Minnesota was 2016, the state saw 207 megawatts (MWs) of new solar power come online. But it looks like 2017 is going to blow that away. Already in the first quarter of 2017 alone, the state added 203 new MWs of solar. Tue, 09 May 2017 10:48:46 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ecomark-hire-solar-ready-vets-trained-fort-carson-050817 The Solar Ready Vets program has already helped place over 17,000 veterans in solar jobs and aims to add a total of 50,000 to the solar workforce by 2020. Solar installers like EcoMark are looking to hire employees and found veterans are good employees. Mon, 08 May 2017 13:47:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshot-initiative-ibm-watt-sun-solar-forecasting-050717 The Department of Energy’s (DOE's) SunShot Initiative worked with IBM and its supercomputing capacity to improve solar forecasting accuracy by as much as 30 percent. Solar forecasting can help utilities and solar owners know how a system will perform. Mon, 08 May 2017 10:30:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-solar-429gws-sungevity-050817 Solar continues to grow, finds the news last week. A new report anticipated that the global solar industry could grow to 429 gigawatts of new installations annually by 2026. Mon, 08 May 2017 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/survey-utilities-need-educate-consumers-solar050517 Utilities are trying to find a better way to educate customers about the costs of incorporating different types of solar generation into the grid. E Source recently surveyed 7,000 US utility customers about solar costs. Fri, 05 May 2017 15:28:10 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/green-businesses-trump-paris-agreement-050517 A group of 3,000 small and medium sized businesses, Green America’s Green Business Network, is urging President Donald Trump (R) to remain committed to the Paris Climate Agreement. The organization pointed to the number of jobs the industry supports. Fri, 05 May 2017 15:16:16 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-appoints-anti-renewable-advocate-for-renewable-energy-office-050417 President Donald Trump’s (R) Energy Secretary, Rick Perry appointed Daniel Simmons, an advocate of fossil fuels to head the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The move drew criticism from clean energy advocate Thu, 04 May 2017 12:51:35 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community-solar-somerville-ny-national-grid-050417 National Grid and United Renewable Energy have completed a community solar project on three acres of underused pasture land in the hamlet of Somerville, NY, with more than half of it already sold to customers. Thu, 04 May 2017 12:04:24 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-installs-portable-solar-ev-charging-station-buffalo-050317 New York extended how far electric vehicles (EV) can drive in the state with the installation of an Envision Solar EV ARC charging station at the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve near Buffalo, NY. Wed, 03 May 2017 15:30:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/real-estate-firm-shows-solar-value-homes-midwest-050317 A Redfin and Sun Number report found that in 10 large Midwestern cities solar significant value. For instance, in Chicago the median sale price for a home with solar was $303,500 compared to a median sale price of $195,000 for a home without solar power. Wed, 03 May 2017 15:20:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/atlanta-100percent-clean-energy-mayors-for-100percent-launches-050317 Another city has committed to sourcing all its energy from renewables. This time it’s Atlanta, the largest southern city in the US to make such a commitment, and the first in Georgia. It joins 25 other cities that have committed to 100 percent renewable Wed, 03 May 2017 10:48:48 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2026-429-new-gws-distributed-solar-annually-050217 A new Navigant Research report anticipated that by 2026 each year could see 429 new gigawatts of distributed solar installed across the world—that’s more than the 74.8 GWs installed across all sectors of the solar industry throughout the world in 2016 Tue, 02 May 2017 16:00:27 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dominion-wants-5760mws-more-solar-2042-modernize-grid-050217 Dominion Virginia Power’s 2017 integrated resource plan (IRP) includes 8 potential scenarios that outline the development of between 5,200 megawatts and 5,760 megawatts of new solar generation in its Virginia and North Carolina service areas by 2042. Tue, 02 May 2017 15:24:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesl-solarcity-end-door-to-door-sales-050217 Door-to-door sales are one of the key ways in which solar companies have reached out to new customers. However, the nation’s largest rooftop solar installer, SolarCity, acquired by Tesla last year, will get out of the door-to-door sales of rooftop solar Tue, 02 May 2017 11:01:53 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/secretary-perry-electric-market-review-must-be-open-transparent-050117 Clean energy advocates representing the fastest growing source of energy and one of the fastest growing jobs creators in the US has issued a letter to DOE Secretary Rick Perry urging him to make his department's review of energy markets transparent. Mon, 01 May 2017 15:41:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-spectrum-acquires-bankrupt-sungevity-50-million-050117 Solar Spectrum, a new company backed by equity firm Northern Pacific Group, has acquired Sungevity for $50 million as part of a court-approved bankruptcy sale. The sale handed the new company Sungevity’s infrastructure, $800 million in assets and more. Mon, 01 May 2017 14:25:57 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreews-weekly-news-suniva-import-tariffs-record-solar-installs-utilities-050117 It was another busy week of interesting contradictions for the solar industry. Utilities are adding record numbers of solar power—Hawaii’s biggest utility wants to go 100 percent renewable, and is making significant progress. Mon, 01 May 2017 09:37:54 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-students-make-100-solar-suitcases-developing-nationa-042817 Thanks to a $400,000 grant from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) students throughout central and northern California will build 100 more We Share Solar Solar Suitcases for We Share Solar. Fri, 28 Apr 2017 15:40:04 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/172-teams-compete-5-million-prizes-solar-in-you-community-challenge-042817 The State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) will judge 172 teams from across the US competing in the Solar in Your Community Challenge for a total of $5 million in prizes. Fri, 28 Apr 2017 13:04:11 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/7x-energy-introduces-solarblocks-block-and-index-energy-companies-042817 7X Energy, is introducing its new SolarBlocks option allowing companies to purchase solar electricity without the requirements of most power-purchase agreements. The option, a block-and-index option, offers companies a clean-energy purchasing products. Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:27:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vaisala-offers-worldwide-validated-solar-dataset-042717 Understanding the amount of sunlight that strikes an area or region is imperative to siting and financing solar power projects. Now Vaisala, an environmental and industrial measurement company, said it has released the results of the largest solar dataset Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:06:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/uc-riverside-partners-install-microgrid-chemehuevi-indian-reservation-042717 The Chemehuevi Indian Reservation, near Lake Havasu, CA, will soon have a 90-kilowatt SunPower solar carport and a 25 kW/125 kilowatt hour (kWh) Primus Power flow energy storage system. Thanks to a partnership with University of California Riverside. Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:27:59 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-consumers-could feel-impact-suniva-tariff-petition-042717 Suniva, which filed for bankruptcy protection last week, filed a Section 201 petition with the US International Trade Commission that would impose tariff of up to 78 cents per watt on imported photovoltaic solar panels and cells under the “escape clause Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:21:54 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/40-states-solar-action-1q-2017-50-states-solar-042617 Rooftop solar and distributed generation policies and regulations are in flux across the nation. That’s according toThe 50 States of Solar, a quarterly publication from the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC). Wed, 26 Apr 2017 16:03:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/southern-california-edison-tops-sepa-utility-rankings-042617 Southern California Edison (SCE) installed 1,648 megawatts of new solar in 2016, more than double the amount any other utility added, easily making it first for overall solar installations. It’s the second year in a row that SCE topped the list. Wed, 26 Apr 2017 15:25:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/harder-businesses-go-solar-uc-research-042617 There are a number of factors that make it more difficult for businesses to go solar, including leased buildings and multi-business buildings. It’s also harder for smaller businesses to go solar, according to new research from the University of Californ Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:08:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/charlottesville-va-becomes-solsmart-community-042517 Charlottesville, VA, recently achieved designation as a SolSmart Bronze community by reducing the soft costs of solar power. The achievement recognizes communities that make it faster, easier and cheaper for homeowners and businesses to go solar. Tue, 25 Apr 2017 17:13:04 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaii-bggest-utility-rides-wave-renewable-energy-042717 In 2016 Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) increased its total renewable energy generation to 26 percent, making strong progress toward its goal to source 100 percent of its electricity from clean energy by 2040. Tue, 25 Apr 2017 16:24:04 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-save-10million-investing-training-042417 The solar job market is growing so fast, finding new employees is getting expensive. More than half of the US’s solar companies spend more than $10,000 per unfilled position in delayed hiring and recruitment expenses, constricting their ability to grow. Mon, 24 Apr 2017 15:45:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/washington-largest-utility-green-power-program-042417 Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Washington state’s biggest investor-owned utility launched Green Direct, a green tariff that allows companies, cities and towns to buy renewable energy under long-term service agreements. The approach is being called pioneering Mon, 24 Apr 2017 15:08:11 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/weekly-review-earth-day-solar-coal-kentucky-vermont-greenest-042417 Last week marked the celebration of Earth Day as companies like Apple and Walmart announcing new initiatives to reduce their impact on the world. Meanwhile a Kentucky coal company’s plans to install the state’s solar farm on top of a former strip mine Mon, 24 Apr 2017 11:58:49 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/8-chosen-for-solarize-mass-group-dicount-programs-042117 As part of Earth Week celebrations in Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker announced have selected five towns and three non-profit organizations to participate in Solarize Mass group purchasing solar programs. Fri, 21 Apr 2017 15:20:52 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind-now-102k-employees-us-042117 The US wind industry added nearly 15,000 jobs in 2016, reaching 102,500 jobs across the US in 2016. That’s according to the 2016 U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), which came out earlier this week. Fri, 21 Apr 2017 11:45:20 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lg-introduces-home-energy-storage-north-america-042117 South Korea’s LG Chem is bringing its residential energy storage systems in the US and Canada. Starting in 2013 the company began introducing the lithium-ion-based battery systems in Asia, Europe and Australia. Fri, 21 Apr 2017 08:54:43 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-considering-rebates-energy-storage-systems-042017 California has a good solar problem. It has an overabundance of solar power that could be better utilized with the implementation of energy storage technology. State Senator Scott Weiner (D) introduced SB 700 to create an energy storage incentive. Thu, 20 Apr 2017 16:18:09 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/earth-day-apple-100-percent-renewable-end-mining-products-042017 Apple is getting greener. The company introduced its latest Environmental Responsibility Report today (April 20)—just ahead of Earth Day. The company said that 96 percent of all of the energy it uses comes from renewable energy. Thu, 20 Apr 2017 16:11:35 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-picks-kentucky-replace-coal-mine-042017 Recently a coal mining museum in Kentucky announced that it will soon be powered by solar. Now it’s being widely reported that Berkeley Energy Group and EDF Renewable Energy are looking to develop the state’s first giant solar farm on a coal mine site Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:07:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/walmart-project-gigaton-cut-supplier-greehouse-gasses-041917 Love or hate it, Walmart’s doing a lot to clean up its footprint on earth. Today (April 19) it announced a new effort, Project Gigaton to eliminate one gigaton of emissions from its suppliers by 2030. Wed, 19 Apr 2017 16:33:41 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/green-mountain-state-tops-wallethub-2017-greenest-states-041917 It’s no mistake that Vermont is called the Green Mountain State. It was ranked as the most environmentally friendly by Wallethub’s 2017 Greenest States in the US. Vermont achieved the top spot by accumulating 78.88 out of 100 possible points. Wed, 19 Apr 2017 15:17:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-could-reach-10-terrawatts-by-2030-scientists-041917 Currently the world has about 300 gigawatts of solar power installed. But the potential for harvesting solar energy far exceeds the world's needs and scientists now think photovoltaics could produce up to 10 terawatts (10,000 gigawatts) of energy by 2030. Wed, 19 Apr 2017 14:20:17 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-advocates-massachusetts-warn-smart-damage-low-income-residents-041817 Massachusetts is one of the US’s leading solar states thanks to continually evolving solar policies that have kept expanding over the years. The newest iteration of solar incentives, the SMART program, could be a step back for low-income communities. Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:12:18 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sleeping-on-sun-silicon-valley-ramada0041817 Ramada Silicon Valley in Sunnyvale, CA, announced the completion of a 269 kilowatt solar array that will generate 426,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually. The installation is expected to provide the hotel with 70 percent of its energy needs. Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:52:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-urges-nevada-legislators-pass-pro-consumer-solar-bill-041817 The Nevada utilities commission at one point ended net-metering overnight in the state. Since then the commission has reinstated it but in a patchwork fashion. Now a new pro-consumer, net-metering bill, AB 270, is working its way through the legislature. Tue, 18 Apr 2017 13:58:27 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-grid-modernization-strategies-increase-solar-041717 As solar continues to grow in the US, grid modernization is essential. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released the first in a series of white papers detailing how the US power grid can be modernized to handle the influx more solar. Mon, 17 Apr 2017 16:06:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-cuomo-70m-rebates-evs-ny-car-show-041717 There were 30 electric vehicles showcased at the 2017 New York International Auto Show and all are eligible for the state’s new $70 million Drive Clean Rebate program for EVs as Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) was on hand to tell attendees. Mon, 17 Apr 2017 13:22:06 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreews-weekly-news-tesla-solar-array-california-50percent-power-solar-041717 Tesla unveiled its new rooftop solar panel system—but not its new solar roof. Meanwhile as Chicago committed to powering all its municipal buildings with renewables, California’s electric grid got more than 50 percent of its electricity from solar pow Mon, 17 Apr 2017 11:25:26 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/salesforce-goes-net-zero-energy-efficent-cloud-software-041417 Salesforce has achieved net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and avoided 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions during 2016. The company signed two, 12-year power purchase agreements for a combined 64 MWs of wind power and integrated energy efficiency. Fri, 14 Apr 2017 15:47:50 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/researchers-use-solar-power-create-water-from-air-041417 Researchers from the University of California Berkeley and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a device that uses solar power to pull liters of water from the air—even in arid areas like deserts. The device uses an MFO. Fri, 14 Apr 2017 15:05:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/india-connect-300-million-people-grid-100-million-solar-loan-041317 The World Bank has approved a $100 million loan to help India finance its plan to install 100 gigawatts of solar power on its way to 175 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2022. Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:54:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/walmart-going-hybrid-energy-storage-27-stores-california-041317 Walmart will install a total of 40 megawatt hours of energy storage systems across 27 of its stores in Southern California in the first phase of a project to save money. The systems use Advanced Microgrid Solutions’ Hybrid Electric Building technology. Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:03:16 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/powerpedia-launches-getchargedup-nonprofit-free-solar-orphanages-041317 Powerpedia created #GetChargedUp, a nonprofit, to provide free solar systems to orphanages throughout Baja, Mexico and beyond. The organization launched #EmpowerOrphans with the announcement that it would install a 10-kilowatt solar array at an orphanage. Thu, 13 Apr 2017 11:10:05 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/maryland-renews-empower-maryland-energy-efficiency-041217 The EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program, which will save residents and businesses $4 billion while creating 68,000 jobs, was extended through 2023 this week, thanks to action through the state legislature. Wed, 12 Apr 2017 15:52:50 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nascar-team-help-military-veterans-momentum-solar-041217 Race to Remember (RTR), a NASCAR team, is partnering with Momentum Solar and its “Give Back” program to benefit the USOMNY throughout the 2017 racing season. The partnership will launch at this year’s New York Auto Show where RTR will unveil the car Wed, 12 Apr 2017 14:26:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vermont-aims-20percent-solar-2025-report-shows-how-041217 Vermont wants to source 20 percent of its energy from solar power by 2025 and ultimately 90 percent of its energy from renewables by 2050. The state and partners recently released The Vermont Solar Pathways study, which illustrates how it can get there. Wed, 12 Apr 2017 10:13:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2016-renewable-55percent-new-electric-investments-fell-041117 Last year renewable energy accounted for 55 percent of the new electric generation added across the world. It also was the biggest year for installations yet, as the world added 138.5 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity. Tue, 11 Apr 2017 16:50:09 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/chicago-commits-power-city-buildings-100-renewable-041117 The Windy City will soon be the largest city in the US to power its public buildings with 100 percent renewable energy. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) announced that Chicago has committed to powering all of its city buildings with solar and wind by 2025. Tue, 11 Apr 2017 15:09:17 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-passes-50-percent-california-electric-generation-wholesale-below-0-041117 California’s robust solar industry has surpassed another threshold—supplying roughly 50 percent of the state’s electric needs. The agency reported that the increase in solar power resulted in wholesale electric prices that were below $0 per megawatt Tue, 11 Apr 2017 10:18:17 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-solar-roof-not-here-new-solar-system-is-041017 Over the weekend Tesla quietly added a new section to its site under its Energy channel, "Solar Panels." This isn’t the much ballyhooed Solar Roof and tiles that Tesla unveiled last October, but rather Tesla’s lower-profile approach to solar rooftops. Mon, 10 Apr 2017 15:29:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/toyota-starts-installing-solar-us-headquarters-ups-system-size-041017 Toyota isn’t just making the world’s most popular hybrid cars, it’s making more commitments to reduce its impact on climate change. Its latest effort is making its new, North American headquarters in Plano, Texas, a LEED Platinum campus. Mon, 10 Apr 2017 14:12:15 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-captain-kirk-utilities-coal-museum-041017 Last week saw some interesting developments in solar power. For instance, iconic actor William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in Star Trek, is going solar. Even more interesting, perhaps, a coal mining museum in Kentucky is going solar. Mon, 10 Apr 2017 11:29:37 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/air-force-new-forward-operating-bases-solar-batteries-040717 The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Advanced Power Technology Office (APTO) is designing the forward operating bases of tomorrow. The lab is looking to create a totally deployable, self-sustaining microgrid power system powered by solar. Fri, 07 Apr 2017 10:51:52 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarworld-pushes-trump-talk-china-solar-manufacturing-040717 Ahead of the first meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, SolarWorld released a statement urging the two world leaders make China’s unfair solar trade policy a topic of conversation. Fri, 07 Apr 2017 10:22:28 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kentucky-coal-musuem-goes-solar-040717 With some irony even a museum dedicated to coal, the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum, in the heart of coal country, is turning to solar power to provide it’s energy. The simple reason given—it’s cheaper. Fri, 07 Apr 2017 09:48:56 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/schneider-electric-partners-rec-solar-duke-microgrid-040617 Solar-powered microgrids are being built and tested by increasingly larger companies. Case-in-point, Schneider Electric partnered with REC Solar and its parent, Duke Energy to build a microgrid to power Schneider Electric's US headquarters. Thu, 06 Apr 2017 14:06:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/shatner-joins-solar-alliance-save-the-world-campaign-040617 William Shatner saved mankind as Captain Kirk in Star Trek and showed travel customers how to save money as the Priceline pitchman. Now he’s taking the sun as the Solar Alliance’s new rooftop solar spokesperson. Thu, 06 Apr 2017 13:08:25 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-40th-birthday-pioneering-lab-looking-ahead-040617 The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has helped renewable energy technologies go from science fiction to growing, thriving businesses. As it celebrates its 40th birthday in 2017, it promises to continue disrupting the market with solar and more. Thu, 06 Apr 2017 12:55:28 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pacificorp-developing-3gws-wind-solar-rocky-mountains-040517 PacifiCorp and subsidiary Rocky Mountain Power, announced a long-term, $3.5 billion energy expansion plan to develop and deploy 3 gigawatts of new wind and solar generation by 2036. Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:12:00 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-leading-integrated-solar-companies-may-end-yeildco-040517 First Solar and SunPower partnered to create 8point3 Energy Partners, A YieldCo aimed at owning solar projects that others can invest in and expect long-term returns from. First Solar has announced that it may seek to exit the joint venture. Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:29:11 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/texas120mw-east-pecos-solar-facility-comes-online-040517 Southern Co.’s Southern Power announced that one of Texas’ biggest solar farms—if not currently the largest—is now operational. The 120 megawatt (MW) East Pecos Solar Facility is now providing power to Austin Energy and its customers. Wed, 05 Apr 2017 13:28:57 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/austin-hcs-joins-south-carolina-solar-business-alliance-expand-solar-040417 HCS Renewable Energy, LLC, an Austin company that’s developed solar projects in the southeast, is joining the South Carolina Solar Business Alliance (SBA) to help grow solar and create jobs in the Palmetto State. Sun, 09 Apr 2017 14:40:15 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshine-state-fpl-2100mws-solar-2023-040417 Florida Power and Light Co. (FPL) announced plans to add 2.1 gigawatts of utility-scale solar projects by 2023, adding to the 686 megawatts it has already installed across its service area. Tue, 04 Apr 2017 16:02:52 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-diego-tops-los-angeles-solar-power-shining-ciites-report-040417 With 303 megawatts (MWs) of solar photovoltaic (PV) power serving its residents and businesses, San Diego edged out Los Angeles as the top solar city in Environment America’s Shining Cities 2017 report. Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:12:02 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/va-gov-mcauliffe-solar-jobs-market-explosion-040317 Gov. Terry McAullife (D) announced that employment in Virginia’s solar industry surged 65 percent in 2016, growing to 3,236 workers. That’s up from 1,963 workers in 2015. Mon, 03 Apr 2017 17:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/big-apple-shines-with100mws-rooftop-solar-040317 The Big Apple now has more than 9,700 solar power projects, producing 101.2 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 15,000 homes in New York City. Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:31:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-news-trump-fossil-everyone-else-renewable-040317 President Donald Trump (R) proved he was thinking of a different era as he took moves to strike down the Clean Power Plan. But the world may be passing him by. For instance, Budweiser's parent company became the latest to commit to 100% renewable energy! Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:31:10 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/federal-support-energy-efficiency-not-dead-2-senate-bills-move-033117 Despite President Donald Trump’s (R) actions to end the Clean Power Plan, even the Republican-led Senate is recognizing the importance of clean energy and energy efficiency. The Senate moved forward on two energy efficiency bills. Fri, 31 Mar 2017 16:27:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/irena-reports-record-renewables-2016-solar-beats-wind-033117 Solar had its strongest year of growth in a record year of growth for all renewable energy sources. Solar accounted for 71 gigawatts (GWs) of the unprecedented 161 GWs of newly installed and operational clean energy added globally during 2016. Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:47:24 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-energy-group-issues-7-solar-storage-grants-low-income-033117 To help low-income communities across the US better access the benefits of solar power and energy storage the Clean Energy group issued seven grants from its Resilient Power Leadership Initiative this week to support community efforts to go solar. Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:36:59 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ikea-solar-on-90percent-us-bulidings-latest-columbus-ohio-033017 Ikea announced it now has solar on 90 percent of its US locations as it announced that its newest store, being completed in Columbus, Ohio, has a 1.2 megawatt rooftop solar array. The installation is Ikea’s 46th solar project in the US. Thu, 30 Mar 2017 16:01:56 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/brooklyn-transactive-grid-blockchain-community-solar-033017 TransActive Grid, a solar project on Brooklyn’s rooftops is taking a slightly different approach to community solar with a local microgrid. The project, still in early stages, hopes to use a blockchain platform allowing local energy trading. Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:02:44 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/zinc-air-batteries-fluidic-energy-five-years-oprations-033017 Fluidic Energy’s unique Zinc-air long duration energy storage systems are proving their mettle in real life. One of its installations in Indonesia for a telecommunications company, Indostat, hashas used Fluidic Energy’s initial batteries for five year Thu, 30 Mar 2017 10:57:22 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-foundation-introduces-solar-map-tool-allowing-local-data-032917 Solar employees earned $50 billion in wages and contributed $154 billion to the US economy during 2016. To better show the local economic impact of the unprecedented 25 percent increase in solar jobs has introduces a solar maps tool. Wed, 29 Mar 2017 15:17:14 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-launches-national-consumer-education-campaign-032917 The solar industry has launched a set of new tools aimed at helping consumers across the nation learn more about going solar. The new tools, introduced by the Solar Energy Industries Association today (March 29) build on previous tools SEIA has created. Wed, 29 Mar 2017 14:12:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunny-windy-buds-come-anheuser-busch-100percent-renewables-032917 The world’s largest brewer—with more than 500 brands across 50 countries—Anheuser-Busch InBev, said by 2025 it would get all of its power from renewable energy. That means the company will transition 6 terawatt-hours of electricity to clean energy. Mon, 03 Apr 2017 12:51:17 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/german-scientists-make-sunny-germany-worlds-largest-artificialsun-032817 German scientists have built Synlight, the world’s biggest artificial sun, that can generate 10,000 times more light radiation than the sun produces on the earth’s surface. The 149 xenon lamps produce 350 kilowatts of energy on 8-square inches. Tue, 28 Mar 2017 16:05:00 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-action-against-climate-change-draws-outrage-activists-032817 President Donald Trump (R) has taken further actions to weaken the US climate protections and make the US less competitive as he seeks to make it easier for dirty coal to compete with cheap, renewable energy. Trump has drawn outrage from environmentalists Tue, 28 Mar 2017 15:15:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-doe-energy-storage-costs-solar-032817 There’s more interest than ever in installing home solar systems with energy storage particularly as charges that can make stored energy more valuable are coming. But a report out today (March 28) showed that the costs for such systems are still high. Tue, 28 Mar 2017 10:53:57 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nv-energy-solar-installers-nevada-comission-extend-net-metering-032717 NV Energy and a group of solar installers, including SolarCity and Sunrun, asked the Nevada utilities commission to extend a solar net-metering deadline through July 1. The extension would help them enroll up to 8,000 in the net-metering program. Mon, 27 Mar 2017 16:42:51 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ice-eenrgy-horizon-solar-energy-ice-system-032717 A new solar power system installed by Horizon Solar Power and Ice Energy is storing energy produced by the sun in ice to cool the Palm Springs Cultural Center in California. The system produces ice for the center’s HVAC system during off-peak hours. Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:07:03 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-records-set-states-take-action-032717 Solar power records were set as states debated the future of solar power. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Elon Musk took to Twitter tantalizing that it will start taking orders of its new solar roof product soon. Mon, 27 Mar 2017 11:44:26 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/musk-teases-tesla-solar-roof-orders-april-032417 Today (March 24) Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to tease on his company’s new solar roof tiles with a tantalizing tweet! “Start taking orders in April.” Fri, 24 Mar 2017 16:10:07 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada-sen-wants-solar-everyone-community-solar-bill-introduced-032417 Solar advocates and environmental organizations in Nevada are celebrating the next step to offering community solar in the state. If passed, the bill would offer the benefits of community solar to renters, low-income families and others. Fri, 24 Mar 2017 12:40:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-green-bank-fund-11m-new-york-microgrids-contest-032417 Thanks to the second stage of the NY Prize Community Microgrid competition 11 microgrid projects will receive $1 million in funding from the NY Green Bank. The funds, announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) will support engineering plans and business designs. Fri, 24 Mar 2017 12:14:43 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/stanfrd-researchers-us-china-must-revise-solar-policies-032317 A new report, The New Solar System, published by Stanford University researchers recommends that the US and China work to efficiently expand the international solar market by reassessing trade policies and by collaborating in research and development. Thu, 23 Mar 2017 17:15:15 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kaneka-closer-pv-efficiency-limit-record-solar-cell-032317 Kaneka has set a new energy conversion efficiency level for the first photovoltaic (PV) silicon solar cell to exceed 26 percent efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. Its commercial-sized solar cell converted 26.3 percent of light into energy Thu, 23 Mar 2017 15:02:17 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-extends-srec2-program-solar-advocates-push-net-metering-extension-032317 Massachusetts will extend the state’s Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC 2) program—for now. The move is a short-term fix as the state prepares to implement a long-term plan to incentivize rooftop solar on homes that makes customers and utilities hap Thu, 23 Mar 2017 10:05:49 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ge-current-13-solar-projects-us-northeast-032217 GE’s Current has announced 13 new projects in the US northeast that will blend solar power and energy efficiency. The startup within GE will install solar and other equipment at GE facilities and other companies’ facilities across six northeast states Wed, 22 Mar 2017 16:50:50 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nreca-solar-toolkit-helping-rural-co-ops-bring-23mws-solar-2017-032217 The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is teaming up with 17 member-owned rural energy co-ops across the US. Under its PV System Toolkit program, NRECA will assist rural utilities add more than 23 megawatts of utility-scale solar. Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:05:14 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kitty-hawk-offshore-wind-farm-site-leases-9million-032217 Wind power is blowing strong across the US. Most recently rights to develop the Kitty Hawk Wind Energy Area were sold for $9.1 million. It’s the latest offshore wind farm lease sold and comes shortly after the US’s first offshore wind farm came online Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:42:41 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/denver-host-nations-first-community-solar-summit-032117 Community solar power is the next big thing in solar power and distributed energy. The latest evidence of this is the first Community Solar Summit, which was announced today (March 21) and will take place in Denver on July 26-28. Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:06:53 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/combining-efficiency-tech-solar-power-arkados-buy-solbright-032117 Industrial energy efficiency software firm, Arkados Group, announced plans to acquire solar developer SolBright Renewable Energy in a $15 million deal. Under the proposal, Arkados will buy SolBright’s assets with a mix of cash, debt and stock. Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:17:48 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-turns-biomass-hydrogen-fuel-cambridge-032117 A cheap, effective means of producing hydrogen gas as a fuel has been a longtime goal for researchers since it could replace other fuels like gasoline with a clean burning alternative. Tue, 21 Mar 2017 10:16:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google-shows-top-10-cities-solar-potential-032017 Of all the cities in the US Houston has the most untapped potential for rooftop solar power. When Google announced the expansion of its Project Sunroof last week it estimated that the city could produce 18,940 gigawatt-hours of electricity via rooftops. Mon, 20 Mar 2017 15:44:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/missouri-bill-could-increase-rooftop-solar-fees-75percent-032017 Solar advocates, utilities face-off in Missouri over proposed bill that could allow utilities to impose up to 75 percent in new fees on rooftop solar customers. House Bill 340 would enable utilities to recover costs they claim get passed to others. Mon, 20 Mar 2017 14:36:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-native-american-solar-online-trump-bad-budget-032017 President Donald Trump (R) introduced a new budget proposal which would slash environmental protections and the energy department. That’s even as reports are showing that renewable energy is less expensive than natural gas power. Mon, 20 Mar 2017 14:00:45 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kappa-250-mw-solar-project-comes-online-031717 The Moapa Band of Paiutes have a new, giant solar plant to celebrate—and the retirement of a coal plant that had led to increased pollution near tribal lands. That’s thanks to the commissioning of the 250 megawatt (MW) Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Proj Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:28:27 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report-highlights-college-campuses-100-percent-cleant-energy-031717 Environment America recent report highlights how colleges and universities throughout the US can achieve 100 percent sustainability by 2050. The report, Renewable Energy 100: The Course to a Carbon-Free Campus, features institutions across the US. Fri, 17 Mar 2017 12:53:58 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-urges-minnesota-gov-veto-bill-031717 Over the last few years Minnesota has added a lot more solar power. Now a bill passed by both houses of the state’s legislature to reduce the state’s ability to regulate electric co-ops and the fees they impose on solar power. Fri, 17 Mar 2017 12:28:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/advocates-talk-low-income-solar-access-solar-power-colorado-031617 Grid Alternatives, Vote Solar and the Center for Social Justice discussed their recently released Low-Income Solar Policy Guide 2017. The guide aims to improve the ability for lower-income people to access to the benefits of solar power. Thu, 16 Mar 2017 17:07:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-america-first-budget-proposal-sad-puts-america-behind-031617 President Donald Trump’s (R) new budget proposal cuts climate protection to the bone and makes deep cuts into the energy department. While it should be no surprise as Trump promised steep cuts to pretty much everything except defense. Thu, 16 Mar 2017 15:21:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-races-model-3-market-1b-stock-offering-031617 Tesla announced this week that it is offering $1.15 billion in stock options to get production of its Model 3 underway this year. The Model 3, is the company’s first attempt at a “Model T” for the masses. Thu, 16 Mar 2017 13:42:13 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-energy-electric-worker-advocates-congress-promote-grid-modernization-031517 Organizations representing construction, manufacturing and electrical workers joined solar and wind advocates to push Congressional leaders to ensure electric grid updates are made if any infrastructure legislation is passed. Wed, 15 Mar 2017 08:06:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solsmart-recognizes-7-more-us-communities-031417 SolSmart recognized seven new cities and counties for their work to reduce the soft cost barriers that limit solar market growth. Soft costs, or non-hardware costs like permits for rooftop solar, now represent up to two-thirds of the cost of a solar array Tue, 14 Mar 2017 08:51:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wind-more-cost-effective-replacing-coal-natural-gas-031417 Energy efficiency improvements, as well as solar and wind power, are less expensive alternatives to replace aging, polluting coal-fired power plants than even natural gas, according a recent report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Tue, 14 Mar 2017 08:15:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/maryland-first-net-zero-energy-school-howard-county-031317 Solar power plays an important role in the ability of buildings to achieve net-zero energy use. That’s certainly the case in Wilde Lake Middle School, the first school in Maryland to achieve net-zero energy use at least in part because of its solar arra Mon, 13 Mar 2017 16:49:00 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hanwha-uses-1366-multicrystalline-wafers-reach-20-percent-efficiency-031317 Hanwha, using 1366 Technologies’ multicrystalline silicon solar wafer technology, was able to push the efficiency of its Q Cells to 19.9 percent. The efficiency results were verified by Fraunhofer and showcase 1366 Technologies' potential. Mon, 13 Mar 2017 15:00:48 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-solar-records-clean-energy-boosts-economy-031317 The US solar industry revealed that it had its biggest year ever in 2016, installing 14.8 gigawatts of new solar power. At the same time it became more apparent that clean energy contributed highly to the US economy and created and employs more than most. Mon, 13 Mar 2017 14:30:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sun-water-fuel-yes-new-research-031017 Solar-based fuels are becoming closer to reality as a replacement for coal and oil, thanks to researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Caltech. In the past two years they’ve identified 12 more materials that could produce solar fuels Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:46:15 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pennsylvania-wants-produce-10percent-energy-2030-0310117 Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) held initial meetings with business leaders and solar industry experts to kick-start the state’s Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future project. Fri, 10 Mar 2017 13:23:50 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind-industry-eyes-250k-jobs-2020-031017 Renewable energy is one of the keys drivers for new jobs in the US. New research from the American Wind Energy Association shows that wind industry jobs grew nearly 17 percent to 102,500 direct jobs and is poised to grow to 250,000 by 2020's end. Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:29:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/135-organizations-call-us-senate-opposee-trump-ferc-nominations-030917 Fully 135 organizations have issued a statement to Senators urging them to rebuke President Donald Trump’s (R) nominees to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The statement letter represents the interests of over 1 million people. Thu, 09 Mar 2017 16:30:10 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-takes-steps-implementing-value-of-solar-030917 As the battles over net-metering shape up across the country utility commissions have to decide the value rooftop solar power. The New York Public Service Commission today voted to approve the first phase of its Value of Distributed Energy Resources order Thu, 09 Mar 2017 15:42:22 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-installs-record-15gws-solar-us-2016-triple-next-five-years-030917 The US installed a total of 14.8 gigawatts of solar power in 2016—nearly double what was installed in 2015, according to the figures released today (March 9) in the U.S. Solar Market Insight 2016 Year-in-Review report. Thu, 09 Mar 2017 07:50:02 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-supplier-ibiden-commits-110percent-renewable-energy-030817 Ibiden, a Japanese manufacturer of parts for electronics, including Apple products, will power all of its manufacturing for Apple products with renewable energy, including sourcing energy from a floating solar photovoltaic facility outside Nagoya, Japan. Wed, 08 Mar 2017 16:17:14 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/michigan-state-university-solar-carports-save10m-25-years-030817 As part of its Energy Transition Plan toward a 100 percent clean energy campus, Michigan State University (MSU) announced the construction of 10 megawatts of solar power, covering carports at 5 parking lots across its East Lansing campus. Wed, 08 Mar 2017 15:20:35 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/advanced-energy-contributes-200b-us-economy-solar-led-030817 While the US loves its beer, it looks like it loves its advanced energy more. Last year the industries that are part of the advanced energy economy in the US employed more than 3.3 million and contributed $200 billion in revenue to the US economy. Wed, 08 Mar 2017 14:54:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ri-goes-big-renewables-plans-increase-1000-percent-2020-030717 Little Rhode Island is going big with a plan to increase renewables by 1000 percent. This week Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced a plan to increase solar and wind development from the 100 megawatts to 1,000 megawatts in just four years. Tue, 07 Mar 2017 16:34:22 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/brookfield-buys-terraform-global-controlling-stake-terraform-power-030717 Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management and TerraForm Global, TerraForm Power, announced that Brookfield will purchase both of the renewable energy YieldCos, which were launched by the now bankrupt SunEdison. Tue, 07 Mar 2017 16:17:27 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreserve-go-ahead-450mw-baseload-solar-thermal-chile-030717 Chile will be one of the next countries to benefit from solar thermal power with the 450 megawatt (450) Tamarugal Solar Project in the Tarapacá region of Chile, which just received environmental approval from the country. Tue, 07 Mar 2017 11:06:18 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/church-fund-invests-60m-off-grid-renewables-developing-countries-030617 The Church Pension Fund's latest $60.8 million fund, the Off-Grid, Renewable and Climate Action (ORCA) Impact Note, will support renewable energy in developing nations. Mon, 06 Mar 2017 16:21:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/peacefreedom-buys-2-solar-ship-aerostats-connectivity-africa-030617 Peace + Freedom Services has partnered with Solar Ship to purchase two aerostats to bring such connectivity to remote areas in Great Lakes Africa with South Africa. Solar Ship is also developing solar-powered airships capable of delivering goods cheaply. Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:45:32 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-11gw-solar-us-2016-states-taking-on-solar-policy-030617 Last week in US solar news, Energy Information Administration (EIA) figures showed the US’s solar industry had a monster year, installing 11.1 gigawatts (GWs) of new power. Meanwhile states are taking both good and bad actions toward solar power. Mon, 06 Mar 2017 14:33:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-yok-speeds-development-of-solar-k-solar-program-030317 Already 48 schools from 25 New York school districts have signed power purchase agreements to go solar through the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA’s) K-Solar program. Now NYPA is expanding the program with two additional solar power vendors. Fri, 03 Mar 2017 16:05:59 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/amazon-deploy-rooftop-solar-50-faciliites-worldwode-2020-030317 Amazon announced a new, company-wide initiative to deploy rooftop solar arrays on 50 of its facilities around the world by 2020.The company is kicking off the new initiative by developing 41 megawatts of rooftop solar on 15 of its US locations. Fri, 03 Mar 2017 13:37:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-adds-11gigawatts-wind-solar-lead-new-us-electric-030317 EIA’s most recent report said that more than 27 gigawatts of electric generating capacity was added to the US power grid in 2016. Of that more than 60 percent came from utility-scale wind (8.7 GW) and solar (7.7 GW) projects—a total of 16.4 GWs. Mon, 06 Mar 2017 01:40:36 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-francisco-proposes-ev-charger-ordinance-for-city-030217 San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee and Supervisor Katy Tang proposed legislation to require all new buildings in the city to include infrastructure for EV charging stations. San Francisco is the first major city to propose a EV charging ordinance in the US. Thu, 02 Mar 2017 15:41:24 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/panasonic-solar-roof-module-vehicles-prius-030217 It’s not the first time that the Toyota Prius has donned solar panels, but now Panasonic Corp. has developed its 180 watt "HIT Photovoltaic Module for Automobile,” which was developed for the new Prius Prime or PHV. Thu, 02 Mar 2017 11:09:44 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mit-startup-sistine-solar-camouflages-solar-panels-030217 An MIT startup, Sistine Solar, has developed its proprietary SolarSkin, a means to camouflage solar panels on a roof. The panels are hidden under the skin to look like a home’s existing roofing, whether it's roof tiles, an American flag or anything else Thu, 02 Mar 2017 07:30:02 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/aps-settles-solar-industry-net-metering-rates-030117 Arizona’s largest utility, Arizona Public Service (APS) reached a settlement with a broad coalition of stakeholders on its rate increases. Under the new proposal, which was submitted to the Arizona Corporate Commission (ACC) for approval. Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:18:57 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-advocates-oppose-bill-limiting-commision-oversight-georgia-power-030117 Solar advocates and clean energy industry representatives are speaking-out against House Bill 479 in Georgia. If passed, the bill would prohibit the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) from making changes and recommendations to Georgia Power’s plans Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:13:13 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2016-utilities-invest-1b-distributed-energy-companies-europe-na-030117 Oftentimes utilities are seen as opposed to distributed energy resources (DERs). Since they run counter to the centralized energy generation structure they’ve grown accustomed to over the past century. That’s starting to change. Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:12:08 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-speech-spurs-action-renewable-energy-environmental-activists-022817 President Donald Trump (R) will deliver his first address to Congress. With the moves he’s already made in office, as well as changes he’s promised, it’s already got plenty of clean energy and environmental advocates, ready to take action. Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:27:54 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/texas-green-mountain-energy-solarsparc-rooftop-solar-022817 Renewable energy retailer Green Mountain Energy has introduced a three-step rooftop solar plan in its Texas markets. Through the new plan, homeowners can get a rooftop solar array through an approved installer and get multiple rebates. Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:14:29 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-starts-buiding-largest-solar-plant-oregon-022817 SunPower and Moss Construction began building the 56-megawatt Gala Solar Power Plant in Crook County, OR, which is slated to come online by the end of 2017. The new project was hailed by the Governor and local officials. Tue, 28 Feb 2017 10:50:34 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-legislators-want-50percent-renewable-energy-2030-022717 A bipartisan group of legislators and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith (D) announced a new effort to commit the state to getting 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, creating 1,500 jobs annually in the process. Mon, 27 Feb 2017 16:25:07 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report-shows-renewables-replace-nuclear-new-york-0227217 Last month New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the retirement of the aging Indian Point Nuclear Energy Center (IPEC) by April 2021. Now, a new report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Riverkeeper presents six scenarios to t Mon, 27 Feb 2017 15:11:55 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-renewables-employment-grows-022717 Renewable energy is continuing to grow across the US and now the group of industries it includes employ more than the retail industry does the US. At the same time states are quickly growing their renewable energy resources. Mon, 27 Feb 2017 11:37:54 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-power-simple-solar-customers-go-solar-no-rooftop-022417 Georgia Power introduced its new voluntary solar option, Georgia Power Simple Solar, for customers unable to install solar on their homes and businesses, but that want to use clean energy. Fri, 24 Feb 2017 17:00:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-reaches-100000-rooftop-solar-under-6-years-022417 Residential solar provider, Vivint Solar announced that it now has more than 100,000 residential rooftop solar customers across 15 states. In less than six years, the company has installed 634 megawatts of residential solar. Fri, 24 Feb 2017 14:06:25 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunlight-financial-gets-130m-rooftop-solar-loans-022417 Sunlight Financial, a provider of rooftop solar loans offered through solar installers, will expand its services and offerings thanks to a new, $130 million investment from Route 66 Ventures. Fri, 24 Feb 2017 12:45:39 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/metlife-goes-carbon-neutral-022317 On Feb. 22 MetLife announced that it met its goal to become carbon neutral through green investments of $9.7 billion and more, becoming the first US insurer to do so. The insurer said it’s invested $3 billion in renewable energy. Thu, 23 Feb 2017 15:16:46 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/michigan-reaches-renewables-goal-cheaper-than-coal-022317 The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced that all utilities in the state have either reached or exceeded, the state’s 10 percent renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirement established in 2015. Thu, 23 Feb 2017 14:13:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/first-us-commercial-wind-solar-hybrid-project-minnesota-022317 Wind and solar power have long been associated with each other. Now, a new project in Minnesota coming online this August aims to bring them even closer together, integrating the two renewable energy sources into a single commercial project in Minnesota. Thu, 23 Feb 2017 10:55:39 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fraunhofer-claims-new-solar-efficiency-record-multi-crystalline-022217 Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute pushed the efficiency of a multicrystalline silicon solar cell to 21.9 percent, surpassing the 21.3 percent efficiency record set by Trina Solar. Wed, 22 Feb 2017 15:45:58 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-yorksolar-grows-nearly-800percent-since-2011-022217 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that between December 2011 and December 2016 solar exploded in the state by nearly 800 percent. In 2011 the Empire state had only 83.6 megawatts of solar installed, by the end of 2016 it had 744 megawatts of solar. Wed, 22 Feb 2017 14:54:33 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/advocates-launch-campaign-clean-energy-more-jobs-retail-3million-022217 Citing statistics from the Department of Energy’s recent U.S. Energy and Employment Report, a group of clean energy organizations show that the US now now has more than 3 million jobs in the clean energy sector. Wed, 22 Feb 2017 14:33:04 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewable-energy-advocates-fight-anti-solar-bill-indiana-022117 In the latest affront to to net-metering, Indiana’s legislature has proposed SB 309, a bill that solar advocates argue would end net-metering in the state. Their ire is up after the bill passed out of the state’s utilities committee on a vote of 8 to Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:06:25 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fpl-nearly-triples-solar-power-600mws-solar-1-year-022117 Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) announced plans to accelerate its solar development throughout the state by nearly tripling its current solar generating capacity of 335 megawatts to 935 (MWs) by early 2018. Tue, 21 Feb 2017 15:26:18 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/moab-pueblo-commit-100percent-renewable-energy-022017 In a move to preserve natural beauty, public health and local economies, Pueblo, CO, and Moab, Utah, are the 22nd and 23rd cities in the US that have committed to transition to 100 percent renewable energy. Both have joined the Sierra Club’s Ready for 1 Mon, 20 Feb 2017 16:46:26 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreveiws-weekly-review-renewables-record-conservative-carbon-tax-022017 Solar celebrated early results of its record year in 2016, installing 14.6 gigawatts (GWs) of new solar. In what amounts to a potential blow to this jobs and clean energy growth President Donald Trump (R) curbed water protections to allow coal to compete Mon, 20 Feb 2017 13:55:24 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-cuts-water-protection-resurrect-cying-coal-021717 In an affront to cheap, clean energy and one of two moves that sparked outrage from the environmental community this week, President Trump (R) signed House Joint Resolution 38 that protects streams against pollution from coal mining. Fri, 17 Feb 2017 15:30:22 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/el-paso-electric-wants-to-raise-rates-rooftop-solar-021717 For a second time, Texas’ El Paso Electric is attempting to raise rates on its rooftop solar customers more than on all of its customers. The utility wants to raise rates for rooftop solar customers an average of $14.09 per month. Fri, 17 Feb 2017 14:52:25 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/maryland-set-to-launch-community-solar-pilot-021717 Maryland’s legislature passed a bill allowing community solar projects in the state to take off in 2015. However, it’s taken until Feb. 15 this year for the legal thicket of regulations to be resolved. Now it's set to take off. Fri, 17 Feb 2017 12:23:34 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/xcel-tests-energy-storage-denver-stapleton-021617 Xcel Energy is partnering with battery manufacturers, Sunverge Energy and Northern Reliability (NRI) in a two-year pilot to study rooftop solar with residential and utility-scale battery storage systems in two Denver neighborhoods. Thu, 16 Feb 2017 16:10:27 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nj-bell-works-soon-have-worlds-biggest-solar-skylight-021617 The redevelopment of New Jersey’s Bell Labs facility into Bell Works, a mixed-use innovator’s “metroburb” in Homdel, NJ, will soon have another innovative feature. The US’s, if not the world’s, largest photovoltaic skylight. Thu, 16 Feb 2017 15:46:08 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-booms-north-carolina-lawmakers-seia-solar-champion-awards-021617 SEIA is recognizing two Republican legislators from the state, Sen. Richard Burr and Rep. George Holding, leading the charge to solar at the federal level with its SEIA Solar Champion Award. Thu, 16 Feb 2017 10:59:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-clean-tech-startups-new-site-021517 Companies working in clean tech from renewable energy to energy efficiency are drawing a lot of interest right now. New York realizes this and to help bring the next generation of clean tech companies into existence, theNew York State Energy Research and Wed, 15 Feb 2017 16:11:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dominion-energy-1b-investment-solar-virginia-021517 Dominion Energy is investing $1 billion to install 500 megawatts of solar in Virginia by 2020. Nearly 398 of the 500 megawatts of solar are now complete or under development. Most are utility-scale solar facilities for large businesses, like Amazon. Wed, 15 Feb 2017 15:09:30 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/14-gws-new-solar-2016-setting-records-0215117 Since at least 2010 the US solar market has experienced record growth, with each successive year seeing more installations than the year before. But nothing like the 14,626 megawatts (MWs) of new solar installed last year was witnessed before. Wed, 15 Feb 2017 09:03:02 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewable-energy-jobs-genie-trump-cant-rebottle-021417 The growth of the renewable energy industry is a genie that President Trump can’t put back in the bottle. A recent report by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) found that an estimated 4 to 4.5 million people are employed in clean energy jobs in the US Tue, 14 Feb 2017 16:23:06 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/conservative-group-makes-case-carbon-tax-021417 The Climate Leadership Council introduced The Conservative Case for Carbon Dividends, a plan to institute a carbon tax in the US to address climate change. The organization, led by Ted Halstead, worked with former Republican Presidential cabinet members. Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:49:15 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bipartisan-governors-urge-trump-congress-wind-solar-021417 A bipartisan group of nearly half of all US governors—the Governors’ Wind & Solar Energy Coalition—sent a strongly worded letter to President Donald Trump (R) and Congress urging them to support wind and solar power. Tue, 14 Feb 2017 11:21:07 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/la-solar-group-launches-program-repair-roofs-install-solar-021317 There is no better time to install solar on a home than during construction or when an owner has to repair or replace their roof. That is why LA Solar Group has launched the Empower Plan which unifies residential solar array installation with roof repairs Mon, 13 Feb 2017 14:50:44 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreveiws-weekly-review-solar-jobs-electric-costs-021317 Last week was a good one for the solar and renewable energy industries. For instance, The Solar Foundation announced that 2 percent of all new jobs in the country were in the solar industry. Mon, 13 Feb 2017 14:23:36 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wells-cargo-gives-solar-projects-2million-grant-021017 Non-profit solar developer, GRID Alternatives announced that the Wells Fargo Foundation will provide a four-year, $2 million grant to install solar in low-income communities. GRID will use the funds to continue its low-income solar projects. Fri, 10 Feb 2017 16:21:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/michigan-dte-energy-migreenpower-buy-renewable-energy-0210117 DTE Energy has launched MIGreenPower, an opportunity for customers to buy more of their power from wind and solar farms, which the utility called: “two of the most affordable clean energy sources available.” Fri, 10 Feb 2017 13:31:07 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/utility-dive-top-10-solar-debates-2017-beyond-021017 Looking into 2017 and beyond Utility Dive’s Krysti Shallenberger and industry experts delved into where the hottest rooftop solar debates in 2017 and beyond will be. This is particularly important as more states are taking on rooftop solar policies. Fri, 10 Feb 2017 10:49:49 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mosaic-latest-solar-installer-securitize-residential-solar-020917 Just a handful of residential solar companies have reached a point where they are able to bundle their residential solar loans and sell them as securities. With its $139 million, A-rated Mosaic Solar Loans 2017-1 transaction, Mosaic is the latest. Thu, 09 Feb 2017 15:49:54 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-yor-announces-15m-rebate-geothermal-systems-020917 In a move to stimulate more of the clean energy economy in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced a two-year, $15 million proposal to provide rebates of up to $6,000 to residential owners who install geothermal heat pumps in their homes. Thu, 09 Feb 2017 10:49:07 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/republican-house-rep-introduces-bill-kill-epa-020917 A freshman member of Congress, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, introduced H.R.861, a resolution with the simple title and objective “To Terminate the Environmental Protection Agency.” Thu, 09 Feb 2017 10:01:51 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ups-goes-solar-8-more-us-locations-020817 UPS will invest $18 million to add roughly 10 megawatts of solar power across eight of its facilities across the US by the end of 2017. Wed, 08 Feb 2017 14:29:42 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-consumers-lowest-energy-prices-ever-renewables-energy-efficiency-020817 In 2016 less than 4 percent of consumers’ spending was used to pay for energy, a record low for the country, thanks to energy efficiency, renewable energy and natural gas. That's because retail electric prices fell 2.2 percent from 2015. Wed, 08 Feb 2017 14:06:06 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/worlds-biggest-wind-turbine-breaks-all-records-020817 Hold on to your hats, a 9 MW wind turbine off the shores of Denmark produced 216,000 kWhs in 24 hours—enough energy to power a US home for 20 years, or roughly 7,300 US homes for one day! Wed, 08 Feb 2017 09:36:10 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wisconsin-18mw-dairyland-solar-project-wins-award-020717 The 14 site, 18-megawatt Dairyland Power Cooperative/SoCore Energy solar project in Wisconsin and Iowa was named one of four recipients of the 2016 Project of Distinction Award by SEIA and SEPA. Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:38:26 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-created-2percent-new-us-jobs-2016-020717 In its most stunning National Solar Jobs Census yet, The Solar Foundation found that solar power accounted 1 of every 50 new jobs in the US in 2016. The report found that last year the solar industry added more than 51,000 jobs reaching 260,077 jobs. Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:10:37 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/staying-course-fossil-fuels-losses-energy-companies-020717 If big energy companies continue to undervalue the continuing falling costs of renewable energy and electric vehicles, they could face a world where the fossil fuel industry is dashed upon rocks. That’s according Expect the Unexpected, a new report. Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:37:12 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/unlv-raises-nearly-1m-compete-solar-decathlon-2017-020617 Team Las Vegas, a group of students and faculty from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), are designing a solar-powered, energy efficient to compete for cash prizes at the Solar Decathlon 2017 in Denver. Mon, 06 Feb 2017 15:47:33 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community-solar-surpass-400mws-2017-020617 From virtually unheard of five years ago, community solar farms are becoming one of the most dominant forms of solar power in the US. A new report from GTM Research, anticipated that the US will install 410 megawatts of community solar farms in 2017. Mon, 06 Feb 2017 14:01:46 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-world-installs-300gws-solar-us-growing-020617 By the end of 2017, the world had installed 300 gigawatts of solar, with much of it coming online. As one of the world’s largest markets for solar power, the US has played a strong role in that growth, but states are taking action. Mon, 06 Feb 2017 12:04:49 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-group-new-disclosure-form-homeowners-solar-020317 The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is continuing to introduce tools to make it easier and safer for people to go solar. This week it introduced the standardized SEIA Solar Purchase Disclosure form. Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:42:05 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/maryland-general-assembly-overturns-hogan-veto-clean-jobs-act-020317 In a big win for renewable energy the Democrat-controlled Maryland General Assembly restored the Clean Energy Jobs Act by voting to overturn Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) veto of the bill in April 2016. The law is expected to create thousands of jobs. Fri, 03 Feb 2017 13:12:26 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/10-northeast-cities-taking-advantage-solar-020317 There are plenty of places in the US where more people could go solar. The northeastern US, for instance, has a bunch of cities that aren’t taking advantage of solar power or the incentives that help make solar less expensive, according to Redfin. Fri, 03 Feb 2017 10:45:58 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-extends-solar-credit-program-020217 Solar advocates are applauding Massachusetts’ legislative proposal to extend the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC 2) program into the summer of 2017. The state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) announced the proposed extension this week. Thu, 02 Feb 2017 15:21:41 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/handful-companies-provide-most-solar-panels-homes-020217 Solar installers develop relationships with solar panel manufacturers and other equipment manufacturers. This helps ensure that the panels they use can be serviced or replaced as rooftop solar systems age. Thu, 02 Feb 2017 14:58:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/states-take-policy-action-solar-2016-report-020217 Last year 47 states and Washington, DC, took action on solar power, according to the NC Clean Energy Technology Center’s (NCCETC’s) The 50 States of Solar Report. The report found states were more active in solar policy actions in 2016 than 2015. Thu, 02 Feb 2017 10:47:43 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/foundational-support-low-income-communities-solar-storage-020117 Foundations can help disadvantaged communities get access to renewable energy, particularly reliable solar energy with battery backups, can be the work of foundations. Wed, 01 Feb 2017 16:20:47 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy-department-30million-integrate-solar-020117 In its first announcement since Donald Trump (R) was sworn in as President, the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) SunShot Initiative announced an investment of up to $30 million to integrate solar energy into the grid. SunShot will fund 13 projects. Wed, 01 Feb 2017 13:45:12 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/100mw-solar-farm-wisconsin-nuclear-power-plant-020117 WPPI Energy and NextEra Energy Resources will construct Wisconsin’s largest solar farm on land adjacent to the Point Beach Nuclear Plant in Two Rivers. The 100-megawatt Point Beach Solar Energy Center will provide 23,000 customers with clean energy. Wed, 01 Feb 2017 12:23:35 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/jimmy-carter-farm-solar-farm-powering-hometown-013117 President Jimmy Carter (D) has leased ten-acres of his farmland to SolAmerica Energy for a 1.3-megawatt solar farm. SolAmerica recently held a ribbon cutting at the new power field, which is expected to generate 50 percent of the town’s electricity. Tue, 31 Jan 2017 17:57:53 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/u-buffalo-water-purifier-sun-powered-013117 An inexpensive device built and led by researchers at the University of Buffalo in New York aims to make dirty water drinkable with some help from sunlight. The researchers created a “solar vapor generator” to clean or desalinate water with solar heat Tue, 31 Jan 2017 08:10:12 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ikea-un-solar-powered-better-shelters-win-awards-013017 Of the 70 projects nominated, the Better Shelter emergency home won two Beazley Design Awards in London, including the grand prize. The refugee shelter, developed by IKEA and the United Nations Refugee Agency, also took home the design award. Mon, 30 Jan 2017 11:30:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-300gws-photovoltaics-installed-german-group-013017 The world has installed 300 gigawatts of solar power, finds the German Solar Association. The solar advocacy organization said its research found that roughly 70 gigawatts of solar power were installed globally in 2016 alone—30 percent more than last ye Mon, 30 Jan 2017 09:00:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-states-businesses-homeowners-want-solar-013017 There's overwhelming support from all sectors of the US economy, from homeowners to businesses and even states. Massachusetts is emerging as a leader in renewable energy policy while a new report shows that rooftop solar power doesn’t increase costs. Mon, 30 Jan 2017 08:20:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/amazon-goes-prime-virginia-100mw-solar-farm-012717 Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) announced that Amazon Web Service, Community Energy Solar and Dominion Energy have partnered to develop a 100-megawatt solar farm in Southampton County, which will be the largest in the state. Fri, 27 Jan 2017 13:06:56 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-lawmakers-want-100-percent-renewable-energy-2035-012727 Lawmakers in Massachusetts proposed a bill that would commit the state to sourcing all of its energy from renewable sources by 2035. If passed it would be the most aggressive renewable portfolio standard in the US, surpassing even Hawaii’s RPS. Fri, 27 Jan 2017 12:18:07 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-speeds-permitting-process-communiy-solar-012717 New York just made it easier for prepared community solar projects to get online. The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) announced that it has instituted changes to the state’s standardized interconnections for solar projects up to 5 megawatts. Fri, 27 Jan 2017 09:47:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-power-864mws-renewablesonline-1600mws-more-2021-012617 Since 2013 Georgia Power has integrated approximately 846 megawatts of solar power into the grid. Now it’s announced that it expected to add up to 1.6 gigawatts by 2021. Thu, 26 Jan 2017 12:08:04 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bronx-gets-solar-wall-urban-health-center-012617 One day solar power will be integrated into the very fabric of buildings. But for now, such building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) will have to be like the wall of solar panels installed at the Urban Health Plan’s (UHP’s) Simpson Pavilion in the Br Thu, 26 Jan 2017 11:27:56 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-installs-200mws-solar-nevada-datacenter-012617 The Apple is ripening in the sun. At least that’s one quippy take on the technology giant’s new solar contract with NV Energy in Nevada. The company signed a contract with the utility to support its Reno, NV, data center with 200 megawatts of solar po Thu, 26 Jan 2017 08:33:04 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-sepa-epri-report-shows-microgrid-potential-012517 Communities are showing an increased interest in microgrids, which can more easily integrate renewable energy resources and react to extreme weather events. At least that’s according to a new report from the Smart Electric Power Alliance. Wed, 25 Jan 2017 16:38:27 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/business-leaders-urge-senate-deny-scott-pruitt-epa-admin-012517 Fully 565 business leaders are urging the US Senate to deny confirmation of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency through a letter sent by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:35:53 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop-solar-doesnt-usually-add-costs-012517 A common argument from utilities is that incorporating more distributed solar power into their network costs them money and requires upgrades. That might not be the case found the recently published University of Austin study Full Cost of Electricity. Wed, 25 Jan 2017 11:33:41 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nc-green-power-secu-fund-solar-north-carolina-012417 There is no better way to teach students about renewable energy than installing solar arrays on schools. That's what is happening in North Carolina thanks to the North Carolina GreenPower Solar Schools pilot program and the State Employees’ Credit Union Tue, 24 Jan 2017 15:43:19 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/15-percent-households-purchse-solar-2017-012417 New research from Park Associates shows that up to 15 percent of the US households with broadband internet are interested in installing solar power in 2017. That’s in addition to the 8 percent of broadband households in the US that have solar panels. Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:53:41 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/los-alamos-flips-perovskite-boost-performance-012417 One of the most promising new solar materials are perovskite crystals and now researchers have figured out a way to flip the orientation of the crystals in solar devices to make them more efficient. Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:51:55 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/falling-costs-policy-allow-massachusetts-top-solar-power-rocks-012317 Massachusetts remained the national leader in Solar Power Rocks’ annual state ranking for home solar, beating out Rhode Island and New Jersey. Mon, 23 Jan 2017 16:34:47 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gaf-roofing-supply-co-gets-rooftop-solar012317 Tesla made a splash when it announced that it and SolarCity were introducing a solar roofing product. Now GAF, one of the largest North American roofing materials company in the US, is getting into into the solar roofing business. Mon, 23 Jan 2017 16:13:58 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-trump-v-renewables-012317 Newly minted President Donald Trump (R) struck a strident note in his first minutes as President last when he removed all mention of renewable energy from the White House website. This could illustrate a cloudier future for solar power. Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:41:52 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/garden-state-reaches-2gw-solar-66000-installations-012017 New Jersey joins the small handful of states that have surpassed 2 gigawatts of solar installations. Almost 66,000 solar projects have been developed across the state, reaching 2 gigawatts of capacity. Fri, 20 Jan 2017 16:37:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-eliminates-renewables-celan-energy-white-house-012017 The solar industry may face gray smoggy skies ahead. Today (Jan. 20) Donald Trump (R) was inaugurated as the new President of the US. One of his Administration’s first big changes was eliminating mentions of renewable energy from the White House site. Fri, 20 Jan 2017 16:14:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pv-jumps-75gws-2017-2017-challenge-012017 The PV Market Alliance (PVMA) anticipated that when all is said and done the world will have installed 75 gigawatts of photovoltaics (PV) in 2016 reaching 300 GWs of solar installed internationally. That’s a jump of 50 percent over 2015. Fri, 20 Jan 2017 14:37:57 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke-energy-adding-1gw-nc-2-years-011917 Duke Energy and its subsidiaries are on what’s looking like a solar power binge. The utility brought on roughly 500 megawatts of solar power in North Carolina in 2016 and it plans to bring another 460 MWs of solar power online in the state in 2017. Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:17:05 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-castle-first-ny-town-clean-energy-community-011917 New Castle, NY, as the first community with less than 40,000 residents to be designated in New York as a Clean Energy Community for reducing energy use and promoting clean energy practices. Thu, 19 Jan 2017 15:12:54 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaii-kauai-50-renewable-energy-storage-cheap-011917 With a new 28-megawatt solar photovoltaic and a 20-MW energy storage system project in the works on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi, the island will be getting more than 50 percent of its electricity from renewables. Thu, 19 Jan 2017 10:25:50 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-bank-isa-global-solar-atlas-promote-solar-development-011817 Developing and financing solar around the world just got a lot easier thanks to the release of the online Global Solar Atlas. The tool enables users to evaluate potential solar sites in one region or in multiple countries simultaneously. Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:31:48 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-green-bank-13-transactions-2016-927m-investments-011817 New York’s green bank to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects committed $250 million into a total of 13 transactions in 2016. Those investments are being met by $677 million in private sector investments, amounting to $927 million. Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:06:46 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/irena-report-1760gws-solar-worldwide-2030-011717 The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicted that solar power will account for 7 percent of all electricity generated worldwide and could reach a production capacity of 1,760 gigawatts by 2030. That’s according to REthinking Energy. Tue, 17 Jan 2017 16:54:50 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wyoming-lawmakers-attack-reenwables-impose-fines-protect-coal-011717 In what’s being called a reverse renewable portfolio standard, a group of state lawmakers in Wyoming have kicked off the 2017 legislative session with a decidedly draconian, anti-renewable energy stance. They’re going as far as penalizing utilities. Tue, 17 Jan 2017 16:00:47 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/global-solar-council-first-quarterly-report-011717 The Global Solar Council (GSC), an international consortium of solar advocacy organizations, manufacturers and more founded in 2015, has introduced its first quarterly report. The report includes international and regional policy and market updates. Tue, 17 Jan 2017 10:47:59 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/aps-paypal-0asu-40mw-solar-farm-011617 Arizona Public Service (APS) commissioned a 40-megawatt solar farm that’s producing energy for two corporate customers, PayPal and Arizona State University (ASU). Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:29:21 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreews-weekly-review-seia-head-rooftop-solar-funds-011617 It was a busy week for the solar industry last week as rooftop solar companies announced new partnerships and funding. Likewise, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced a new president to help move the US solar industry forward. Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:58:05 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunculture-plug-and-play-solar-panels-pr-orders-011617 Plug-and-play solar panels are coming to market. At least if SunCulture has anything to do about it. The company announced pricing and pre-orders for its SolPad, a solar panel and battery system that allows owners to directly plug into the device. Sun, 15 Jan 2017 22:19:41 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-raises-303m-buliding-on-2017-011317 Residential solar provider, Vivint Solar has raised $303 million in financing in two major transactions led by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. It closed a $203 million fixed rate, 18-year term debt facility with four institutional investors. Fri, 13 Jan 2017 16:20:42 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-employs-260k-wind-102k-deo-report-011317 Together solar and wind power now employ 366,000 workers across the US showing they are becoming an increasingly large sector of the US’s energy employment. Today (Jan. 13) the Department of Energy released a jobs report. Fri, 13 Jan 2017 14:54:27 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/government-saves-taxpayers-8b-renewables-energy-efficiency-011317 By signing contracts and purchasing for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades, the federal government will save taxpayers $8 billion in energy spending over the next 18 years, according to the White House. Fri, 13 Jan 2017 13:36:42 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/loveland-fema-solar-farm-replaces-dam-011217 Loveland, CO’s 3.5 megawatt solar farm is the first electricity generating facility to receive approval and funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The $9.2 million Foothills Solar and Substation project replaces a hydroelectric da Thu, 12 Jan 2017 08:34:50 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunrun-national-grid-partner-200mw-home-solar-ny-011217 Solar industry and utility companies can play nice. Investor-owned utility National Grid is investing $100 million into Sunrun to develop 200 megawatts of residential solar homes. The partnership includes a co-marketing campaign targeting 100,000 homes. Thu, 12 Jan 2017 06:56:51 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-adds-70mw-solar-rooftop-gigafactory-011117 Tesla Gigafactory 1 (GF1), where it will produce batteries for its vehicles and home and commercial energy storage Powerwall and Powerpack units, began production. The giant factory also will have 70 megawatts of solar panels on its rooftop. Wed, 11 Jan 2017 11:30:29 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lg-wins-epa-gold-tier-award-ces-recycling-011117 LG Electronics USA was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with its 2016 Gold Tier Award for recycling of keeping 67,714 tons of carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere. The award was part of EPA’s Sustainable Materials challeng Wed, 11 Jan 2017 08:00:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind-solar-grid-updates-save-customers-3billion-annually-011017 Wind could provide 20 percent of western US's electricity in 2030 and up to 35 percent in 2050—saving consumers billions—by adding to and updating grid transmission infrastructure. Tue, 10 Jan 2017 21:49:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/states-strong-clean-energy-attract-employers-011017 There’s a clear connection between clean energy and where employers want to be. At least if you take into account the opinions of some of the leading and growing employment sectors in the US—retail and information technology. Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:38:43 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-gets-abigail-ross-hopper-seia-president-010917 After eight months without a President the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has named Abigail Ross Hopper to lead the organization starting on Jan. 17. She takes over after the years of unprecedented growth in the industry. Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:20:44 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-2017-predictions-gigafactory-010917 The first week of the year means the prognosticators are prognosticating and with a new Administration about to take over the White House many are worried that President-Elect Donald Trump (R) could cut use of renewables. Here's a roundup! Mon, 09 Jan 2017 08:43:13 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-advocates-leary-eu-commission-chinese-solar-tariffs-010317 To many solar advocates chagrin, the European Commission announced it will recommend extending European Union (EU) trade restrictions beyond March 2017 by continuing to add 50 percent tariffs to the cost of Chinese PV panels. Sat, 07 Jan 2017 08:30:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2017-more-solar-growth-net-metering2-010617 The solar industry had a record-breaking year in 2016. It looks like 2017 will continue that trend even with continued challenges to net-metering policies and a shift in federal policy regarding the fossil-fuel industry, according to Utility Dive’s pane Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:08:41 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrdc-calls-electricity-markets-evolve-2017-beyond-010617 The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is looking into 2017 and calling for the grid to continue evolving to meet the energy needs of people in the 21st century while protecting the environment. The advocacy organization called for market reforms. Fri, 06 Jan 2017 14:56:11 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/maryland-gov-hogan-2017-environmental-agenda-010617 Maryland has been late to the game in terms of solar power. Now it looks like Maryland may start catching up. Fri, 06 Jan 2017 11:07:33 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-deregulation-spur-70-billion-solar-sales-us-010517 Donald Trump could gut the renewable energy industries and the progress the industries have made in the past decade. But at least one sustainability director posits the idea that Trump’s interest in deregulating the energy sector could actually grow sol Thu, 05 Jan 2017 16:10:51 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunworks-chooses-sharp-smartstorage-system-commercial-010517 Sharp Electronics announced that Sunworks is choosing its SmartStorage battery system to integrate into commercial rooftop solar projects in California. Sharp guarantees the no-money-down energy storage system's predicted savings. Thu, 05 Jan 2017 14:55:46 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-panasonic-producing-battery-cells-gigafactory-010517 Tesla announced that its Gigafactory in Sparks, NV, began producing its new “2170 cell”, the battery cell that it will use in a variety of products from the Model 3 car to the Powerwall 2 and Powerpack 2 energy storage systems for homes. Thu, 05 Jan 2017 10:29:24 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-groups-partner-to-ease-financing-for-rooftop-solar-010417 In the near future, investing in a rooftop solar array may be as easy as buying a television. That’s, at least if Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Energy Finance Association (SEFA) have anything to do about it. Wed, 04 Jan 2017 15:02:40 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/heart-beats-with-sun-solar-powered-pacemakers-010417 File this in fascinating and amazing potential uses of solar power. Swiss researchers are proposing that subcutaneous (under the skin) solar cells could continuously recharge implanted, life-saving electronic medical devices like a pacemaker. Wed, 04 Jan 2017 14:07:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-tech-complex-investors-2017-010417 Yesterday (Jan. 3) Raymond James issued its Clean Tech Primer 2017: A Holistic Update on the Ten Major Verticals, a report on investing in the renewable energy and related sectors. The news is, well, as complicated as the technologies in the report. Wed, 04 Jan 2017 12:18:39 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/states-urge-trump-keep-celan-power-plan-010317 States and municipalities across the US are supporting President Obama’s Clean Power Plan. Now they’re urging President-Elect Donald Trump (R) to keep the plan in place. It would reduce emissions in the US by the amount produced by 160 million cars. Tue, 03 Jan 2017 16:39:46 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mit-report-transform-grow-distributed-solar-energy-010317 A new study, Utility of the Future, introduced last month by the MIT Energy Initiative and the Institute for Research in Technology at Comillas Pontifical University looks into how to best integrate distributed energy resources like wind and solar. Tue, 03 Jan 2017 15:02:16 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vermont-green-mountain-power-off-grid-solar-incentives-010217 Vermont’s Green Mountain Power (GMP) said it is the first utility in the US to provide residential and commercial customers a chance to go off-grid. The utility is offering an incentive package supporting solar power, storage and home automation. Mon, 02 Jan 2017 15:49:33 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-peering-into-2017-010217 The last few weeks of 2016 saw some interesting things for the solar industry. While climate change is still an issue, people, like the World Economic Forum are seeing it as an opportunity for investment. Mon, 02 Jan 2017 15:25:32 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-predictions-2017-123016 It's becoming increasingly apparent solar power has a key role to play in fighting climate change even as global energy demand increases and many in the industry and outside of it anticipate positive things for the industry in 2017 and beyond. Mon, 02 Jan 2017 14:34:41 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-mayflower-recreate-plymouth-journey-123016 the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) will mark the 400th anniversary of the original Mayflower journey to North America with the first-of-its-kind solar and wind-powered drone. The 100-foot-long trimaran will sail from the UK to Massachusetts. Fri, 30 Dec 2016 13:45:21 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-applications-locally-produced-solar-incetinves-123016 Minnesota wants more solar products to be made in the state and it’s putting its money where its mouth is with a locally-made incentive program that’s already helping almost 1,100 solar systems across the state. Fri, 30 Dec 2016 11:40:21 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/palo-alto-now-gets-one-third-power-from-solar-122916 California’s Palo Alto is a fan of the sun and renewable energy. With its two latest utility-scale solar farms totaling 60 megawatts the city is now getting a third of its energy from solar power. Thu, 29 Dec 2016 08:47:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-energy-emissions-lowest-in25-years-eia-122916 It looks like the US is on its way to meet its emissions reductions targets under the Paris Climate Agreement, at least if the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA’s) findings earlier this year are any indicator. Thu, 29 Dec 2016 08:18:26 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ohio-gov-kaisch-vetoes-renewable-killing-bill-122816 In a move that will help re-invigorate the solar and wind industries in Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) vetoed Substitute House Bill 554. The bill sought to keep freezing renewable energy development in the state. Wed, 28 Dec 2016 15:18:45 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ithaca-college-10percent-energy-solar-farm-122816 Ithaca College in New York is now getting 10 percent of its electricity from the sun thanks to a new, 2.9-megawatt solar array. The new array, actually located 40 miles away in Seneca, NY, will help the college meet its goals to become carbon neutral. Wed, 28 Dec 2016 13:39:00 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-jersey-larest-solar-farm-ne-military-base-122816 Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will soon host the 16.5-megawatt solar farm, upping the base’s total solar generation to 28.8 MWs. The latest project is being built on a Superfund site where the military dumped waste until 1984. Wed, 28 Dec 2016 11:29:17 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaii-big-utlity-half-electricity-renewables-2020-122716 Hawaii Electric Companies (HECO) introduced a new energy plan for the near future and it’s big on renewables—so much so that 48 percent of its electric generation will come from renewables by 2020 and all it's electric generation from renewables by 20 Tue, 27 Dec 2016 17:12:54 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-economic-forum-climate-change-convenient-truth-renewables-121716 As the cost of renewable energy has come down and the costs of fossil fuels have gone up, investing in renewable energy is becoming a no-brainer. That’s according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Tue, 27 Dec 2016 16:27:15 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-ny-gigafactory-260m-panasonic-manufacturing-122716 Tesla’s Gigafactory in New Buffalo, NY, will actually be a Panasonic manufacturing facility, supported by the Japanese company's more than $256 million investment. Tue, 27 Dec 2016 11:02:34 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada-regulators-reverse-net-metering-decision-north-122616 The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is moving forward to restore net-metering, encouraging more rooftop and utility-scale solar development in northern Nevada, in NV Energy’s Sierra Pacific Power Company (SPPC) territory. Mon, 26 Dec 2016 16:22:18 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke-energy-south-carolina-solar-rebates-12m-one-year-122616 In the year since introducing $1 a watt rebates for solar power in South Carolina, nearly 2,000 of Duke Energy’s customers and businesses in the state have chosen to go solar, totaling nearly $12 million in rebates. Mon, 26 Dec 2016 16:11:06 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-solar-cheapest-energy-world-122616 As 2016 comes to a close the solar industry is pushing the zenith further and further. For instance, installations for solar are coming in at prices lower than any other energy source, including wind power. Mon, 26 Dec 2016 07:25:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gtm-seia-project-solar-challenges-2017-beyond-122316 After what’s already a record-shattering year for the US solar industry, challenges lie ahead in 2017 and beyond. GTM Research recently outlined some of the challenges it and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) are now anticipating. Fri, 23 Dec 2016 16:02:10 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/155mw-solar-farm-powers-la-lower-costs-than-fossil-fuel-122316 The Springbok 2 Solar Farm, which promises electricity at rates lower than fossil fuels can deliver in California, was commissioned this week. Fri, 23 Dec 2016 14:04:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/coachella-the-river-goes-solar-pace-122316 The River, a mall in California’s Coachella Valley, took advantage of PACE financing to install a 667-kilowatt solar carport and a water pumping and control system energy efficiency project. Together they will offset 95% of common area electric use. Fri, 23 Dec 2016 13:52:23 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida-utility-shutters-coal-plant-opens-3-solar-farms-122116 Florida’s biggest utility Florida Power & Light (FPL) bought the 250-megawatt coal-fired Cedar Bay Generating Plant in Jacksonville, FL last year. Now it’s retiring the dinosaur. At the same time, roughly 224 megawatts of solar farms are coming online Thu, 22 Dec 2016 14:12:21 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arizona-nevada-solar-advocates-utilities-wrestle-over-net-metering-122116 Even though the solar industry showed unprecedented growth throughout 2015 and 2016 there are clouds on the horizon, even in the sunniest states. Arizona regulators voted to slowly end net metering. Nevada initially ended net-metering—overnight. Thu, 22 Dec 2016 14:47:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/afordable-solar-new-york-low-income-housing-nyc-122116 Low-income residents and their housing providers in New York City now have a new opportunity to go solar thanks to Affordable Solar New York. The nonprofit will focus on reducing low-income residents’ energy bills with distributed solar. Thu, 22 Dec 2016 13:20:00 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-rcord-9500mws-solar-2016-beating-everything-122116 The US solar industry had a record 2015 with 7.3 gigawatts of new power, but 2016 will blow it away with 9.5 gigawatts coming online. In fact, this year is expected to be the first time one renewable energy source outpaced all other new energy sources. Wed, 21 Dec 2016 14:13:29 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/big-apple-condos-apartment-solar-financing-option-122116 New York City’s housing co-ops and apartments now have a new option to install solar power on their rooftops with no up-front costs for their owners and inhabitants thanks to a new solar loan offered through a partnership between Zero Carbon Corporation Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:51:44 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-installs-77gws-2016-decade-annual-growth-ihs-122116 By the end of 2016, 77 more gigawatts of solar power will be operational, topping a decade of continual growth for the industry. Even more, 79 gigawatts, is expected to come online across the world in 2017. Wed, 21 Dec 2016 12:57:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/michigan-set-to-expand-renewable-portfolio-standard-122016 The Michigan House of Representatives passed state Senate legislation that would increase the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) from 10 percent to 15 percent by 2021 and to at least 35 percent in 2025. Tue, 20 Dec 2016 17:35:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-net-metering-rule-maine-molasses-january-122016 Maine’s Public Utilities Commission said it needs more time to make a decision on net metering in the state. Tue, 20 Dec 2016 11:54:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-sees-significant-renewable-energy-job-growth-121916 Renewable energy had a banner year in Massachusetts, growing to an $11.8 billion market. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s 2016 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report showed that the renewable energy industry maintained a 6 percent growth rate Mon, 19 Dec 2016 15:49:25 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wind-cheapest-unsubsidized-energy-lazard-121916 The unsubsidized costs of utility-scale solar and wind power are now cheaper than the costs of natural gas power in the US, according to Lazard reports. The found that as the cost of utility-scale solar fell 11 percent to as low as $46 per megawatt hour. Mon, 19 Dec 2016 14:46:48 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-weekly-review-solar-shatters-records-investment-up-gates-121916 Last week was a big week for solar power and renewables. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced that the US solar industry had a quarter that shattered all previous records and that the fourth quarter will be even bigger for solar power. Mon, 19 Dec 2016 09:33:32 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mce-buy-150mws-edf-renewables-desrt-harvest-solar-121616 MCE a not-for-profit, public electricity provider in California just signed a power-purchase agreement (PPA) with EDF Renewable Energy for 150 megawatts of its Desert Harvest Solar Project underway in southern California. Fri, 16 Dec 2016 16:17:42 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/climatescope-solar-beating-wind-developing-nations-invest-more-121616 The latest Climatescope report found some interesting things. In 2015 the price of solar projects were essentially equal to those of wind projects—and that investments in solar power across the world surpassed wind power for the first time. Fri, 16 Dec 2016 15:46:21 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunrun-introduces-brightbox-california-121516 The residential solar industry is growing at breakneck speed across the US and now the energy storage market is following it quickly. To capitalize on that opportunity Sunrun announced it is offering BrightBox batteries in California. Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:23:28 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/odulair-solar-mobile-clinic-clemson-sc-underserved-121516 The first fully solar-powered mobile medical clinic is going to Clemson University’s Joseph F. Sullivan Center in South Carolina. The new mobile clinic, designed by Wyoming’s Odulair, will allow the university to serve underserved and largely rural ar Thu, 15 Dec 2016 12:55:13 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arizona-aps-4mws-energy-storage-pilot-121516 Arizona’s largest utility, APS, recently began installing 4 megawatts of commercial-sized lithium-ion batteries—2 MWs each. The energy storage systems will serve customers in the utility’s Solar Partner Program (SPP). Thu, 15 Dec 2016 10:30:53 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreserve-takes-platts-commercial-energy-project-award-121416 SolarReserve didn’t win an environmental award for its concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, it won the Commercial Application of the Year Award from the 2016 Platts Global Energy Awards. Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:16:37 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-first-offshor-wind-farm-online-rhoad-island-121316 It’s not solar power, but it’s a major advance for its renewable energy cousin, wind power, in the US. The US’s first offshore wind farm, Deepwater Wind’s five-turbine, 30-megawatt Block Island Wind Farm in Rhode Island, began producing renewable Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:02:49 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/race-to-build-cargo-airship-literal-race-solar-ship-challenge-121316 Companies aren’t just racing to bring cargo to the skies, at least one solar-powered startup, Solar Ship, is ready to take on traditionally powered industry stalwart, Lockheed Martin in a 21st century battle of the airships! Tue, 13 Dec 2016 16:47:25 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gore-inconvenient-truth-sequal-debut-sundance-121316 When former Vice President Al Gore introduced An Inconvenient Truth in 2006, it helped bring concerns about the climate change and the environment to the forefront. Now he's introducing the sequel! Tue, 13 Dec 2016 15:31:05 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/4-gws-solar-installed-third-quarter-us-shattering-records-121316 Fully 4,143 megawatts of new solar power installed in the US in the third quarter of 2016 every previous quarterly record was broken handily. For instance, the amount of solar installed in the third quarter grew 191 percent over the third quarter of 2015. Fri, 23 Dec 2016 15:57:57 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/plug-and-play-solar-technology-affordable-solar-option-121216 Plug-and-play solar panels can plug into conventional residential power outlets and could provide up to 57 gigawatts of renewable energy to the grid. Mon, 12 Dec 2016 16:21:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bill-gates-helms-breakthrough-energy-coalition-1b-clean-energy-venture-fund-121216 The Breakthrough Energy Coalition (BEC), a group of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and institutional investors, chaired by Bill Gates announced that they will invest more than $1 billion into clean energy research called Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Mon, 12 Dec 2016 15:04:49 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-week-in-review-solar-space-google-readys-nem2-ca-121216 Solar power will return to space in two new innovative ways, manned aircraft and solar sail. More terrestrially, solar power continued to march forward with a California utility reaching more than 2.4 gigawatts of rooftop solar Mon, 12 Dec 2016 10:00:41 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/jaxa-tests-ascent-solars-cells-used-japanese-satellite-120916 The Japanese space agency, JAXA, will test Ascent Solar’s lightweight, flexible solar cells on its upcoming Jovian Space Mission. The cells will power the unique satellite's operations while the solar sail will provide propulsion for the mission. Fri, 09 Dec 2016 16:31:24 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pge-more-than-2-gws-rooftop-solar-nem-2-120916 This week California’s Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) announced that will soon have 2,409 megawatts (2.4 gigawatts) of rooftop solar arrays throughout its network of customers. That’s more than every other state had in total solar capacity by Mar Fri, 09 Dec 2016 15:59:46 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-cuts-2500-jobs-solar-manufacturing-120916 With a glut of solar panels in the market, it’s becoming tougher for solar manufacturers to compete. This was driven home this week as SunPower announced that it’s restructuring to remain competitive in changing market, resulting in cutting 2,500 jobs Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:39:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy-efficiency-2million-us-jobs-120916 Energy efficiency is one of the most effective means of reducing household and business energy expenses. It includes things like insulation, windows and heating and air conditioning. Throughout the nation it supports more than 1.9 million jobs. Fri, 09 Dec 2016 10:07:33 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-to-power-solarstratus-flight-edge-space-120816 Solar pushed aeronautics boundaries earlier this year when a solar-powered plane finished its circumnavigation of the globe. Now a group wants to take solar to new heights—the stratosphere. Thu, 08 Dec 2016 14:23:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-soldiers-lightening-loads-solar-120816 Solar is being used on forward and remote military bases to reduce weight and the need for fuel—transporting fuel is one of the deadliest jobs in the military. But now NREL is working with the military and soldiers to make solar more personal. Thu, 08 Dec 2016 13:47:17 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-sun-3m-lower-income-new-yorkers-go-solar-120716 New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (D) announced that $3.6 million in funding from the NY-Sun Initiative will be invested to increase solar access to low- to moderate-income communities throughout New York. Wed, 07 Dec 2016 17:58:47 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/boulder-continues-path-100-reenwable-unanimous-vote-120716 Boulder, CO, continues on its path to creating its own, 100 percent renewable utility. The city council members voted unanimously to aim to reduce the city and county’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent below its 2005 levels by 2050. Wed, 07 Dec 2016 15:15:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google-g-stands-green-will-run-renewable-100-renewable-120716 Google leads pretty much everyone in clean energy, tech companies, major corporations the US military, etc. Now, in 2017 it’s going to reach a new milestone. The company and all of its global operations will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy. Wed, 07 Dec 2016 13:25:06 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-clean-energy-revolution-not-reversible-nrdc-120616 In the annual NRDC Annual Energy Report, Accelerating into a Clean Energy Future, the nonprofit advocacy organization showed that the progress the US is making in moving to clean energy is undeniable and that it’s reaching a tipping point. Tue, 06 Dec 2016 16:33:50 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/67mw-solar-farm-brings-stanford-closer-sustainability-120616 Stanford University and SunPower have completed construction on a 67-megawatt utility-scale solar farm outside of Palmdale, CA, that is projected to produce over half of the electricity needed by the main Stanford campus in Palo Alto, CA. Tue, 06 Dec 2016 15:27:28 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-launches-better-buildings-zero-energy-schools-accelerator-120616 The new Better Buildings Zero Energy Schools Accelerator, launched aims to create zero energy schools at normal costs. Tue, 06 Dec 2016 15:10:54 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-launches-solar-in-your-community-tour-120516 Late last month the Department of Energy launched Solar in Your Community Challenge. It’s an effort to make it easier for everyone in the US to benefit from the clean energy and potential cost-savings that solar power offers. Now the challenge is on tou Mon, 05 Dec 2016 17:36:06 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nm-coop-instaling-enough-solar-for-all-customer-needs-120516 New Mexico’s Kit Carson Electric Cooperative wants to install enough solar power to cover all of its customers’ electric needs during summer peak days by 2022. To get there it wants to install dozens of 1-megawatt solar arrays. Mon, 05 Dec 2016 15:32:17 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-solar-week-in-review-supports-reports-120516 As 2016 comes close to ending the reports are coming in and it looks like 2016 will be the record year for solar. Likewise, they’re showing the future looks bright for the industry as new campaigns are aimed at supporting solar power crop up. Mon, 05 Dec 2016 10:14:53 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/enchase-installs-solar-array-energy-storage-australia-120416 Enphase Energy and solar installer Solaray Energy, have completed the construction of a rooftop solar installation in Newtown, Australia, with the largest Enphase Storage System to date. Sun, 04 Dec 2016 15:48:35 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/environment-america-fights-attacks-on-solar-120216 Environment America, just introduced a new report aim to push back against those forces that are trying to fight solar power. The new report, Blocking the Sun and the campaign “Stand Up for Solar” will fight against fossil fuel interests. Fri, 02 Dec 2016 15:24:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke-energy-return-service-corridor-natural-solar-120216 Duke Energy has proposed creating a small, 10-kilowatt solar microgrid with a 95-kilowatt hour storage system in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It would allow Duke Energy to eliminate a 3.5-mile overhead line to a remote communications tower. Fri, 02 Dec 2016 14:28:18 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-jersey-utility-commission-expands-solar-4-all-program-120116 The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved an extension to Public Service Electric and Gas’s (PSE&G) Solar 4 All program, a unique program that’s installing solar power on rooftops, utility poles and brownfields like former landfills. Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:38:45 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-costs-fall-up-to-17-percent-second-half-2016-gtmresearch-120116 It’s a lot cheaper than it was 6 months ago to become a solar customer. A GTM report showed a reduction in cost of 8.6 percent for residential solar, 12.5 percent for commercial and up to 17.4 percent for utility-scale solar power. Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:44:13 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida-fpl-will-install-1200mws-solar-over-4-years-120116 The Sunshine State is starting to live up to its name—or at least taking advantage of its moniker’s resource. Under a new rate approval, Florida utility Florida Power & Light (FPL) will install 1.2 gigawatts of solar power over the next four years. Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:18:06 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/utilities-dont-value-rooftop-solar-fully-113016 A new report by Environment New York Shining Rewards: The Value of Rooftop Solar Power for Consumers and Society found that residential and commercial customers with solar arrays aren’t getting that full value for the power they produce. Wed, 30 Nov 2016 16:27:52 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy-watch-group-challenges-iea-world-energy-outlook-113016 Germany-based Energy Watch Group is again calling the findings of an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, its World Energy Outlook (WEO), into question. The organization challenges that the report is under-representing the true potential of solar. Wed, 30 Nov 2016 15:35:35 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2016-record-year-solar-nearly-50percent-more-2015-113016 With 78 gigawatts of new solar installed, it looks like this will be the penultimate year for solar power. Mercom estimated that new solar installed in 2016 will be 48 percent higher than in 2015. Wed, 21 Dec 2016 10:31:50 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-solar-field-shows-solar-panel-performance-112916 The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO, is a hotbed for emerging renewable energy technologies, a place where advances are made and technologies are tested. Now it’s installing solar panels as part of Sandia's PV Lifetime project. Tue, 29 Nov 2016 15:23:11 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/97percent-latinos-support-battle-against-climate-change-112916 A post-election survey of 1,000 Latinos across the US conducted by the Sierra Club and GreenLatinos shows that there is nearly unanimous support within the Latino community to protect the earth. Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:35:48 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/support-solar-renewable-during-giving-tuesday-112916 Today (Nov. 29) is Giving Tuesday, a chance to support nonprofits and charities across the country and world, including those in solar power and renewables. Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:33:45 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/said-gives-4million-solar-start-ups-africa-112916 USAID announced that it is investing $4 million into eight African solar start-ups through a competition called Scaling off-Grid Energy: Grand Challenge for Development. USAID’s commitment will provide 120,000 homes in communities across Africa with sol Tue, 29 Nov 2016 10:05:24 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/conservatives-launch-south-carolina-solar-organization-112816 This month former Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (R) announced the creation of the Palmetto Conservative Solar Coalition (PCSC), a new organization aimed at promoting energy independence in the state using free market principles and solar energy. Mon, 28 Nov 2016 15:24:06 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kentucky-habitat-humanity-solar-kentucky-install-soalr-homes-112816 The season for giving has begun. Now, Habitat for Humanity, Solar Kentucky and former nightclub owner and host of Renewable Energy Podcast David Butler are partnering to raise money to install solar on Habitat for Humanity homes in five Kentucky cities. Mon, 28 Nov 2016 13:15:23 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/week-in-review-trump-not-likely-gut-solar-112816 Indicators showed that President-Elect Donald Trump is now less likely to gut the renewables industries as evidence shows that they are thriving and even providing jobs for coal workers. Even Republican leaders are supporting solar with new legislation. Mon, 28 Nov 2016 12:34:00 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energysage-community-solar-market-112516 As community solar projects keep popping up across the US as an alternative to rooftop solar and dirty electricity from the grid. In fact, so many are popping up, people might not even know if they’re eligible to join a nearby project. Fri, 25 Nov 2016 15:49:04 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/illinois-gov-clean-energy-advocates-pro-solar-revisions-energy-bill-112516 Progress is being made on Future Energy Jobs Bill. Gov. Bruce Rauner's (R) office and the clean energy industry have successfully pushed back against provisions in the original bill that would make it harder for people to go solar in the state. Fri, 25 Nov 2016 15:00:25 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/technion-proposes-thermodynamic-solar-cell-50percent-efficient-112516 Researchers at Technion are on the way to developing a unique photovoltaic solar cell that could convert up to 50 percent of the sun’s energy into electricity—which is 70 percent higher best single-layer solar cells. Fri, 25 Nov 2016 14:19:10 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mccarthy-assures-press-trump-wont-derail-wind-solar-112416 As the transition process begins from the Obama administration to the Donald Trump administration, the press and clean energy advocates are anxious as to whether progress toward a renewable energy future will be undone. Thu, 24 Nov 2016 12:30:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg-buys-1500mws-sunedison-112416 NRG Energy announced that it completed the acquisition of the largest chunk of SunEdison’s domestic solar and wind power projects. The acquisition of more that 1.5 gigawatts (GWs) of SunEdison’s projects for an initial payment of $124 million. Thu, 24 Nov 2016 12:16:24 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/coal-workers-find-work-solar-power-112416 Ahead of the election, President-Elect Donald Trump made a stand about coal and oil-and-gas jobs, claiming he wanted to bring them back. But more evidence is showing that coal workers can find work—good work and good pay—in solar and renewable energy. Thu, 24 Nov 2016 11:07:46 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-cost-effective-residents-without-subsidies-112316 At a cost of between $3 per watt and $3.50 per watt, residential solar offers a cost-savings in anywhere from a quarter to half of US states—even without state subsidies. That’s thanks to more financing options and high consumer demand. Wed, 23 Nov 2016 15:15:17 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mosaic-raises-$550m-home-solar-loans-112316 Solar loan financier Mosaic announced that it has closed on a $250 million loan with Deutsche Bank for a warehouse facility, a short-term line of credit that uses revolving loans as collateral. Now it can support $550 in home solar loans. Wed, 23 Nov 2016 12:00:38 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/american-samoan-island-100percent-renewable-solar-storage-tesla-112316 Tesla is touting its expansion into renewable energy with the installation of renewable energy-powered microgrid, including a 1.4 megawatt solar power farm and 6-megawatt hours of energy storage on the island of Ta’u in American Samoa. Wed, 23 Nov 2016 10:34:07 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/power-returns-chernobyl-this-time-its-solar-112216 The Chernobyl area, home to the infamous nuclear meltdown 30 years ago may soon start generating electricity again. However, this time it would come from solar power. The meltdown of the nuclear facility in 1986 contaminated roughly 30 square kilometers. Tue, 22 Nov 2016 16:20:32 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/northwestern-university-trump-presidency-renewables-1112216 The 2016 Presidential election is over and President Elect Donald Trump is appointing members of his transition team and Cabinet to implement policies proposed during his election campaign. Tue, 22 Nov 2016 15:37:22 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewable-enery14percent-us-electric-2015-112216 By the end of 2015 renewable energy produced 13.8 percent of the US’s electric needs for the grid, coming primarily from hydro, wind and solar power, in that order. That’s according to NREL’s 2015 Renewable Energy Data Book. Wed, 23 Nov 2016 14:09:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshot-initiative-launches-community-solar-challenge-112116 The Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative recently launched the new Solar in Your Community Challenge, a competition with $5 million in prizes, which includes a $500,000 grand prize. The competition challenges communities to develop replicable model Mon, 21 Nov 2016 16:01:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/week-in-review-cop22-renewable-energy-tesla-112116 Last week the biggest renewable energy news came from Marrakech, Morocco, where world leaders gathered at COP22 to discuss climate change and how the world would fight it. The US and US businesses there discussed how they will help fight climate change. Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:49:55 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/amazon-dominion-team-virginia-renewable-portfolio-solar-111816 Amazon’s AWS subsidiary partnered with Dominion Energy to vastly expand the amount of solar power in the Old Dominion of Virginia. Under a power-purchase agreement, 180 megawatts of solar farms will supply AWS’ energy needs in the state. Fri, 18 Nov 2016 16:18:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-add-5gws-solar-under-baker-111816 Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) has proposed a new plan to expand solar in the northeastern state that could result in the Bay State having 5 gigawatts of solar installed by 2025, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Fri, 18 Nov 2016 15:47:49 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/white-house-reduce-emissions-increase-economy-solar-111716 This week at the COP22 climate meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, the Obama Administration unveiled the United States Mid-Century Strategy for Deep Decarbonization and submitted the plan to the United Nations. Fri, 18 Nov 2016 14:06:09 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-tesla-acquisition-approved-shareholders-111716 This afternoon (Nov. 17) Tesla Motor’s shareholders approved the $2.6 billion purchase of SolarCity, with 85 percent of them voting in favor of the deal. While many assumed the acquisition would be approved, it still took months to accomplish. Thu, 17 Nov 2016 16:40:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/leading-companies-tell-world-reduce-climate-change-111716 Global leaders convened at the United Nations’ COP22 in Morocco, this week to discuss the implementation of the Paris Agreement. But it’s not just global leaders taking action on climate change, business leaders are taking action, too. Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:52:53 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community-power-network-10mws-home-solar-111716 The Community Power Network has harnessed the power of co-ops to reduce the cost of solar for more than 1,500 homes throughout eastern and southeastern US. That’s resulted in 10 megawatts of solar on homes through more than 80 solar co-ops. Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:33:36 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ccsa-introduces-community-solar-policymaker-guide-111616 The Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) released a first-of-its-kind guide designed to help policymakers develop community solar programs specific to their communities. The organization introduced it at the commissioner's meeting in California. Wed, 16 Nov 2016 15:56:37 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kerry-reassures-world-us-paris-climate-agreement-111616 Today (Nov. 16) US Secretary of State John Kerry reassured the world at the COP22 meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, that the US will live up to its promises under the Paris Climate Accord it ratified with China earlier this year. Wed, 16 Nov 2016 15:21:49 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/total-installing-solar-power-5000-gas-stations-worldwide-111616 International oil and gas giant Total will invest roughly $300 million to install solar power at 5,000 gas stations across the world! The company is installing a total of 200 megawatts of SunPower solar arrays at its stations, including 800 in France. Wed, 16 Nov 2016 10:35:36 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/naruc-introduces-manual-distrbuted-energy-like-solar-111516 How utilities deal with distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and small business solar is a topic of hot debate across the US that has divided homeowners, solar installers and utilities. NARUC just published a manual to help. Tue, 15 Nov 2016 16:29:58 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-energy-storage-saves-somo-village-residents-businesses-2m-111516 California’s SOMO Village is expanding its solar array to a full 3.1 megawatts and adding a 1 megawatt commercial energy storage system that is expected to save its 1,000 residents and 50 businesses more than $1.8 million over 10 years. Tue, 15 Nov 2016 15:32:55 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-grew-577percent-four-years-georgetown-climate-center-111516 Between 2011 and 2014 solar power production grew by 577 percent and wind power grew 40 percent across the US, with states leading the shift to renewable energy. Finds “State Leadership Driving the Shift to Clean Energy: 2016 Update.” Tue, 15 Nov 2016 11:06:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nextera-energy-commissions-485-mws-of-solar-power-in-california-111416 NextEra Energy Resources commissioned the Blythe and McCoy solar energy centers in Riverside County, CA. The solar farms consist of 4 million solar panels generating 485 megawatts of energy. That’s equivalent to powering 181,000 homes. Mon, 14 Nov 2016 15:11:57 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshot-initiative-cuts-solar-costs-90percent-sets-2030-goals-111416 In just five years the Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative is 90 percent of the way to reaching its cost reduction goals. So DOE set new goals for 2030. Mon, 14 Nov 2016 14:43:06 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-week-in-review-trumping-renewables-voters-111416 Election results last week shocked many including those in the solar and renewable energy industries. However, the industries are ready to work with Trump. Elsewhere there was some good in the elections as an anti-solar amendment was voted down in Florida Mon, 14 Nov 2016 12:01:11 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rocky-mountain-power-solar-rate-hike-proposal-111316 In a likely setback to solar growth in Utah, utility Rocky Mountain Power has proposed three new changes would raise rates for all new solar customers including a $15.00 monthly charge, $9.02 per kilowatt for high demand hours and 3.81 cents per kilowatt Sun, 13 Nov 2016 08:30:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-introduces-diversity-guide-solar-workforce-111116 The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has introduced a new guide, Diversity Best Practices Guide for the Solar Industry, to help the solar industry be more inclusive. The new guide builds on previous efforts by SEIA to encourage diversity. Fri, 11 Nov 2016 17:26:36 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/xcel-energy-colorado-public-utilities-commission-agree-solar-111116 The expansion of the solar industry in sun-rich Colorado has reached a huge milestone. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved—without modification—a settlement fought for by two dozen organizations, local and national. Fri, 11 Nov 2016 16:20:35 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/idaho-108mw-grand-view-solar-farm-online-soon-111116 On Nov. 10 Clenera and Swinerton Renewable Energy (SRE) announced that the 108 megawatt (MW) Grand View PV Solar Two projects will come online by the end of November 2016. The project is the largest to date in Idaho. Fri, 11 Nov 2016 12:23:13 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tuscon-electric-power-seeks-100mw-community-solar-project-111016 Tucson Electric Power (TEP) announced it is seeking bids from solar developers to design and construct a utility-scale community solar array in the Four Corners of Arizona, enabling it to purchase up to 100 megawatts of solar under a 20-year agreement. Thu, 10 Nov 2016 15:47:44 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewable-energy-ready-work-president-elect-trump-111016 Renewable energy organizations and companies are ready to work with President-elect Donald Trump (R). Over the past eight years, the renewable industries have grown from handfuls of fledgling companies to strong companies employing hundreds of thousands. Mon, 14 Nov 2016 11:02:31 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/floridans-vote-down-anti-solar-amendment-1-111016 Florida’s voters realized Amendment 1 for what it was, a piece of proposed legislation that appeared to be solar friendly but really would have limited people’s options for installing solar power. Thu, 10 Nov 2016 09:40:59 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/largest-community-solar-project-wisconsin-110916 Two sites in Wisconsin, one in La Crosse County and another at an abandoned landfill in Eau Claire, will host 1-megawatt community solar farms. The farms are being built by California’s Pristine Sun under an agreement with Xcel for its Wisconsin custome Wed, 09 Nov 2016 15:59:23 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/uc-berkeley-lbl-perovskite-solar-cell-20percent-efficient-110816 The University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed new perovskite solar cells that achieve an average steady-state efficiency of 18.4 percent, with a high of 21.7 percent. Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:05:01 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/boulder-could-save-100m-with-renewable-utility-110816 Boulder will go 100 percent renewable by 2030 and it looks like the cheapest way to do it is to create it's own utility! Tue, 08 Nov 2016 10:39:07 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arcadia-brings-community-solar-nationwide-online-platform-110716 Arcadia Power announced that it will offer a “Solar Savings Subscription” service, a first of its kind, nationwide community solar platform. The service allows customers throughout the country to subscribe to specific community solar projects online. Mon, 07 Nov 2016 16:16:52 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-partners-grid-alternatives-110716 Over the next three years SunPower will donate more than 2 megawatts of its solar panels to provide enough panels to power roughly 550 homes. That’s through a new partnership with GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit installing solar on low-income homes. Mon, 07 Nov 2016 14:05:46 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/week-in-review-hulk-musk-florida-amendment-1-110716 By the end of the week, the US should have some idea about the direction of the country for the next four years. Currently, the solar industry seems to be chugging along even amidst controversies like the Standing Rock protest and Florida's Amendment 1. Mon, 07 Nov 2016 10:48:10 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/canada-government-goes-100-percent-renewable-110416 Soon, Canada will be known as the great green north. The US’s northern neighbor announced that its government is going 100 percent renewable by 2025, making it one of the first federal governments to commit to sourcing all of its electric from renewable Fri, 04 Nov 2016 16:22:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mercedes-benz-plugs-into-solar-batteries-us-110416 German auto manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is plugging into the North American residential and commercial energy storage market. Mercedes-Benz announced that it will release residential battery modules with a storage capacity of 2.5-kilowatt hours in 2017. Fri, 04 Nov 2016 13:14:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida-origis-energy-100m-expand-solar-business-110416 Already Miami-based Origis Energy, has a portfolio of over 600 megawatts of completed solar projects worldwide. Now the company will expand that portfolio of projects, thanks in part to raising $100 million in growth capital from Belgium’s Baltisse. Fri, 04 Nov 2016 12:32:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hulk-green-power-ruffalo-solar-standing-rock-110316 He isn’t as green in real life, but it doesn’t keep Hulk/Bruce Bannon portrayer Mark Ruffalo from being a greenie. Recently he and Native Renewables presented Standing Rock Sioux protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline with solar electric generators. Thu, 03 Nov 2016 16:35:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/alta-energy-solar-modular-classrooms-saves-250k-110316 Schools are a great place to install solar power. Alta Energy is on its way to helping Poway Unified School District (PUSD) save $250,000 annually in energy costs through a power purchase agreement. Thu, 03 Nov 2016 13:21:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/stanford-engineers-use-solar-store-30percent-sun-hydrogen-110316 Energy storage is becoming a big issue in the solar industry. Now Stanford University scientists are using photovoltaics to turn water into a chemical capable of storing 30 percent of the sun’s energy over long periods of time. Thu, 03 Nov 2016 08:25:04 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/first-solar-mce-little-bear-could-create-160mws-community-solar-110216 MCE has announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy the initial 40 megawatts of electricity from the first phase of construction of First Solar’s Little Bear Solar Project in Fresno County, CA. It could be the largest community solar project to da Wed, 02 Nov 2016 16:09:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/trump-higher-emissions-than-clinton-lux-110216 carbon emissions would rise 16 percent more after two terms under Trump than under Clinton, according to analysis from Lux Research. The firm found that Clinton’s plans, which include massive scaling of solar power, would help the US reduce its emission Wed, 02 Nov 2016 14:56:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida-amendment-1-most-contentious-solar-policy-elections-110216 Florida is the Sunshine State, but utilities aren’t making it easy for the state’s residents to take advantage of the sun to power their homes. That’s because utilities are supporting the controversial Amendment 1, which would make it almost impossi Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:53:06 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/idaho-solarize-valley-campaign-nets-800k-solar-investments-110116 The Snake River Alliance, a nuclear watchdog and clean energy advocacy organization, organized a solarize campaign in southwestern Idaho’s Treasure Valley about six months ago. Through the campaign homes have agreed to install 260 kilowatts of solar pow Tue, 01 Nov 2016 16:10:07 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/con-edison-solar-proposal-benefits-low-income-customers-nyc-110116 Con Edison proposed its “Shared Solar Pilot Program” to install up to 11 megawatts of solar power over 5 years on more than 40 of its buildings' rooftops. The solar arrays will provide electricity for 3,000 to 6,000 low-income customers. Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:03:26 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/students-cal-poly-solar-powered-car-prove-110116 Right now students at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) are making a new vehicle at the Prototype Vehicles Laboratory (PROVE Lab) that they hope will be the fastest solar-powered vehicle ever made. Tue, 01 Nov 2016 10:42:25 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/general-motors-greener-900kws-solar-array-michigan-103116 DTE Energy and General Motors have completed a 900-kilowatt solar array at GM’s Warren Transmission plant in Warren, MI, making it the largest solar installation at a GM facility in the state. Mon, 31 Oct 2016 16:04:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-introduces-solar-roof-103116 Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the new Tesla and SolarCity solar roof, in not one, but four unique styles, which are designed to look like traditional roofing. At the same time, he unveiled the Tesla Powerwall 2, its energy storage system. Mon, 31 Oct 2016 15:41:58 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-week-in-review-renewables-beat-coal-103116 With 153 new gigawatts of renewables like wind and solar power installed in 2015, the world saw more renewable energy installed in 2015 than coal power installed, for the first time, ever! It also was a particularly busy time for solar in New England. Mon, 31 Oct 2016 11:54:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nba-utah-jazz-slam-dunks-solar-102816 Vivint Solar and NBA franchise Utah Jazz teamed up to install more than 2,700 rooftop solar panels on the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 80,000 square foot, $125 million array will generate 700 kilowatts of power. Fri, 28 Oct 2016 14:58:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy-watch-group-challenges-iea-renewables-forecast-102816 Earlier this week International Energy Agency (IEA) showed that the world installed 153 gigawatts of renewable energy in 2015 and that wind solar will increase 13 percent. Now the Energy Watch Group is challenging those claims. Wed, 30 Nov 2016 15:19:03 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-yore-introduces-solar-growth-roadmap-102816 New York’s Department of Public Services published its recommendations to state regulators for rooftop solar power and other distributed energy resources (DERs). The publication was heralded by solar advocates who called that the report a major mileston Fri, 28 Oct 2016 10:17:43 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/royal-dsm-partners-launch-bright-minds-challenge-speed-solar-storage-102716 Royal DSM, Sungevity, SolarAid and partners are challenging people to create solutions that will accelerate the adoption of renewable energy to 100 percent of the world’s energy supply through the Bright Minds Challenge. Thu, 27 Oct 2016 17:27:13 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-england-states-procure-460-mws-renewables-102716 To gain greater economies of scale and reduce the costs of equipment Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island partnered on the three-state Clean Energy RFP approved seven wind and solar projects that will supply up to 461.2 MWs of new power. Thu, 27 Oct 2016 15:07:51 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-remains-most-attractive-country-wind-solar-investments-102716 The US is still the world’s most attractive market for renewable energy investments. That’s according to the bi-annual EY Renewable energy country attractiveness index (RECAI). Thu, 27 Oct 2016 08:39:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vermont-solar-farm-energy-storage-saves-200k-one-hour-102616 On Aug. 12, 2016, roughly 265,000 Green Mountain Power customers in Vermont collectively saved $200,000. Even though they probably don’t know it, that’s thanks to the 2-megawatt Stafford Hill Solar Farm and its 3.4-megawatt-hour energy storage system. Wed, 26 Oct 2016 13:07:10 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/center-biological-diversity-obama-solar-all-federal-buildings-102616 It’s already expected the US will fail to make its goals under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. That’s why the Center for Biological Diversity today (Oct. 26) urged Obama to install solar panels on all federal buildings, to show what can be done Wed, 26 Oct 2016 12:33:26 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunrun-brings-lg-energy-storage-to-us-homes-102616 LG has quickly made a name for itself across the world with its electronics. Now, it’s entering the residential energy storage business thanks to a new partnership with Sunrun. Wed, 26 Oct 2016 11:36:07 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-installed-153-gws-renewables-2015-beating-coal-102516 With 153 gigawatts of new, renewable energy installed across the world in 2015, renewable energy surpassed coal-fired electric generation for the first time. Led by record levels of both wind and solar, 66 gigawatts and 49 GWs of solar. Tue, 25 Oct 2016 16:54:55 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dominion-virginia-installing-56mws-solar-projects-102516 Dominion Energy’s Dominion Virginia announced that construction is now underway on new utility-scale solar projects in Isle of Wight, Louisa and Powhatan counties that will produce enough electricity to power 14,000 in the Commonwealth. Tue, 25 Oct 2016 16:23:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/stanford-oxford-20percent-efficient-perovskite-solar-cell-102516 A cross-Atlantic team from Stanford and Oxford Universities has produced a dual-layer, perovskite crystal-based solar cell that’s 20.3 percent efficient in laboratory testing. That’s nearly as efficient as many of the leading silicon-based solar cells Tue, 25 Oct 2016 10:29:49 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rural-iowa-farmers-electric-cooperative-increases-reenwable-102416 Solar farms are popping up across rural Iowa like new crops thanks to member-owned utility co-ops. Famers Electric Cooperative (FEC) and Iowa Wind and Solar completed the second phase of a 2-megawatt solar project in Kalona, Iowa. Mon, 24 Oct 2016 12:05:49 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/inveergy-proposes-700mws-wind-solar-long-island-102416 Just like importing fruits and veggies, Invenergy is proposing importing energy to Long Island, a lot of it. The renewable energy developer just announced a new proposal for Long Island that would use HVDC transmission line called the Clean Energy Link. Mon, 24 Oct 2016 11:34:00 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-solar-week-in-review-florida-walmart-target-solarcity-102416 It’s election season and in one state solar is on the ballot. In another solar will replace coal plants. Meanwhile, the nation’s biggest box stores have swapped solar leadership places, peer-to-peer home sharing members get a special discount on solar Mon, 24 Oct 2016 09:33:29 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wisconsin-turns-renewable-loans-into-solar-rebates-102116 Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission (PSC) is transferring $7.7 million in funds for renewable energy loans to solar rebate programs for homes, businesses and non-profits. The rebates will offer enough rebates to benefit over 500 homeowners. Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:22:56 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/virginia-getting-solar-makeover-102116 This past week Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) announced two new solar projects in the state as he updated the state’s 2014 Energy Plan. The new installations include a 20-megawatt solar farm and installations at six schools. Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:38:35 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florda-solar-advocates-fight-amendment-1-102116 In Florida, the battle for rooftop solar power and the ability to go solar is up for fierce debate as voters will decide whether or not to approve Amendment 1, a misleading piece of solar legislation promoted by utilities in the state that would negate ot Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:37:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mit-ma-orgs-fund-massive-solar-farm-north-carolina-102016 Universities are moving renewable energy solutions, research and practical applications forward in all sorts of ways from technology to financing. Case in point, MIT partnered to purchase power produced by a 60 megawatt solar farm in North Carolina. Fri, 21 Oct 2016 09:27:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/does-invests-21m-reduce-soft-costs-solar-102016 The Department of Energy announced today (Oct. 20) that it would invest $21.4 million through the SunShot Initiative to fund 17 new projects aimed at reducing the soft costs of solar power. Fri, 21 Oct 2016 08:25:42 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/low-income-net-zero-energy-housing-project-vermont-solar-storage-102016 The new McKnight Lane Affordable Housing Development in Waltham, VT, transformed an old mobile home park into a zero energy, low-income housing development that includes solar power and energy storage. Thu, 20 Oct 2016 09:21:19 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/aiirbnb-solarcity-partner-discounted-solar-power-101916 Home sharing saves travelers money and offers a way for guests and hosts to reduce their carbon footprint with sustainable vacation or business trip choices. That's why solar provider, SolarCity is offering Airbnb hosts rebates of up to $1,000 for solar. Wed, 19 Oct 2016 16:01:20 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/target-unseats-walmart-most-solar-company-us-101916 For years now Walmart has lead the US in terms of businesses with installed solar but this year Target—its chief rival—has unseated the retail giant. With 147.5 megawatts of solar installed, Target barely edged out Walmart, which has 145 megawatts of Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:48:05 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-first-community-solar-project-completed-101916 New York’s first community solar project is online! The 359-kilowatt solar array will produce power for more than 3 dozen residents in New York’s Tompkins, Steuben and Schuyler counties who have purchased more than 1,100 panels in the project. Wed, 19 Oct 2016 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/international-group-propose-commercial-perovskite-solar-101816 Scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Korea, Japan and Switzerland partnered to help perovskite solar cells become competitive. Perovskite solar cells are garnering interest as the most likely next generation solar power tech. Tue, 18 Oct 2016 16:22:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-investment-utility-scale-solar-private-financing-101816 The US's investment of $4.6 billion in five giant solar projects 100 megawatts or larger has led to 45 additional privately financed utility-scale PV projects. Tue, 18 Oct 2016 14:44:20 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-solarcity-partnet-panasonic-solar-production-101816 Yesterday (Oct. 17) Tesla and Panasonic announced a non-binding, long-term partnership under which Panasonic will collaborate on manufacturing producing photovoltaic (PV) cells and solar modules at SolarCity’s facility in Buffalo, NY. Tue, 18 Oct 2016 14:15:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-forms-working-groups-grow-solar-101716 Last week the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) launched two new working groups to help grow the solar industry more. The new working groups will focus on safety and workforce development and operations and maintenance. Mon, 17 Oct 2016 15:02:15 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-xcel-energy-retire-coal-plants-add-in-renewables-101716 Minnesota is becoming a major player in the renewable energy market. Recently the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously approved Xcel Energy’s 15-year energy plan, which would add 1.4 gigawatts of solar power and 1.8 gigawatts by 2030. Mon, 17 Oct 2016 14:02:42 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-solar-week-inreview-obama-sports-more-101716 Last week in solar and renewables President Obama teamed up with sports leagues and teams to help fight climate change. But that’s just a small smattering of the news in solar. Read on for more! Mon, 17 Oct 2016 12:58:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/engie-mt-tom-solar-community-solar-massachusetts-101416 ENGIE North America, with subsidiary Mt. Tom Solar, broke ground on a 5.76-megawatt community solar farm in Holyoke, MA, on property which was once home to the coal-burning Mt. Tom Power Station. Sat, 15 Oct 2016 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-supporting-clean-tech-companies-solar-10-million-101416 New York’s Gov., Andrew Cuomo (D), announced a new, $10 million investment in new and existing clean energy incubators. Previous incubators have already created more than 1,000 jobs in the state and brought $247 million in private investments. Fri, 14 Oct 2016 16:28:04 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-navy-partner-renewable-energy-101416 The Navy and the California Energy Commission (CEC) partnered to expand the amount of renewable energy the Navy and Marines have in the state. While details of some of the projects are not yet revealed, they include at least three solar projects. Fri, 14 Oct 2016 15:14:10 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-women-empowerment-series-san-francisco-101316 The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is focussing on empowering women and diversity within the solar industry with a new series of discussions and will host its first event on the West Coast at San Francisco’s The Box SF on Oct. 20. Thu, 13 Oct 2016 15:06:27 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/stanford-campus-wide-solar-expansion-on-time-101316 Stanford University upgraded its commitment to solar energy by installing solar arrays on 16 of its buildings and the construction of a 67-megawatt solar farm for its energy needs are near completion and will supply 53% of its energy needs. Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:02:38 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/miami-clinton-gore-for-solar-against-amendment-1-101316 This week Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore were on hand in Florida campaigning at Miami-Dade College where they discussed solar power, climate change and Florida’s Amendment 1. Thu, 13 Oct 2016 13:29:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sacramento-kings-solar-powered-arena-101216 The exciting atmosphere of professional sporting arenas are increasingly becoming high profile demonstrations of how environmentally sustainable design and practices can be integrated into an electrifying fan experience. Wed, 12 Oct 2016 16:44:22 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-francisco-honolulu-wallethub-top-green-cities-101216 With 75.6 points out of a possible 100, San Francisco topped WalletHub’s listing of green cities in the US. It was followed closely by Honolulu, HI, which achieved 74.5 points out of the total 100 available. Wed, 12 Oct 2016 16:04:25 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fluidic-energy-introduces-next-gen-energy-storage-solar-arizona-101216 Fluidic Energy will install its zinc-air energy storage system at a home in Scottsdale, Ariz. It’s a first for the company in North America even though it’s based in Arizona and has deployed more than 75,000 batteries across the world. Wed, 12 Oct 2016 10:22:47 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/center-biological-diversity-fights-misleading-solar-report-101116 Last week the Institute for Energy Research, an organization funded in part by the Koch Brothers and fossil fuel industry. But now the Centers for Biological Diversity have fought back against the accusations. Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:24:08 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/canada-announces-emmissions-plan-toward-clean-energy-101116 Through the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Canadian government will implement a nationwide tax on carbon emissions in all provinces and territories by 2018, with the goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 30 percent. Tue, 11 Oct 2016 15:19:14 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-industry-nets-3billion-investments-thrid-quarter-101116 The third quarter of 2016 was strong for the solar industry, raising $3 billion in investments nearly double the $1.7 billion in the second quarter. However, Mercom's Q3 2016 Solar Funding and M&A report showed investments are still down compared to 2015 Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:52:53 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sports-teams-white-house-tackle-climate-change-101016 Last week the White House celebrated the first Green Sports Day on Oct. 6 with the White House launching a number of new actions with these partners to help green sports. Mon, 10 Oct 2016 16:29:51 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/borrego-launches-energy-storage-disivion-support-growth-101016 Borrego Solar Systems is launching an energy storage division. The division will focus on developing and constructing megawatt-sized energy storage systems as stand-alone units or devices to help integrate solar power and other renewables into the grid. Mon, 10 Oct 2016 13:45:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wind-much-world-energy-2060-101016 A new World Energy Scenarios report, The Grand Transition, found that the even as the demand for electricity worldwide will double by 2060, wind and solar power could provide up to 39 percent of the world’s energy supply by 2060. Mon, 10 Oct 2016 13:19:40 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arizona-aps-passes-1-gigawatt-solar-100716 Only a handful of utilities have a gigawatt of solar power in their electric grid and today (Oct. 7) that handful got a little larger as Arizona’s APS announced that it passed the threshold. It’s the first time a utility outside of California reached Fri, 07 Oct 2016 13:42:28 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/blisterpak-save-42k-yearly-solar-energy-storage-100616 A new 135-kilowatt solar array and a 120-kilowatt energy storage system at Blisterpak’s manufacturing and distribution center in Commerce, CA, is expected to save the company $42,000 a year in energy costs. Fri, 07 Oct 2016 10:46:02 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-5-members-congress-solar-champions-100616 This year five members of Congress will receive the SEIA Solar Champion Award from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). In addition, it’s also awarding solar champion Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) with the first ever Lifetime Solar Pugilist Award Thu, 06 Oct 2016 16:06:58 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/four-co-ops-join-sunda-developing-new-solar-project-100616 Four co-op utilities representing rural areas in Tennessee, Colorado and Kansas have joined the Solar Utility Network Deployment Acceleration (SUNDA). Each has committed to develop utility-scale solar projects of at least 1 megawatt in size. Thu, 06 Oct 2016 15:14:37 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/paris-climate-agreement-becomes-effective-100616 The single most significant international agreed upon recognition of climate change requiring countries across the world to take action, the Paris Climate Change Agreement, will go into effect! That happened yesterday (Oct. 5) and now 74 nations signed. Thu, 06 Oct 2016 14:35:57 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nearly-half-us-states-200mws-solar-underway-100516 The US has more than 10 gigawatts of solar power in development and now, according to the latest research from GTM Research's Utility PV Tracker, 11 states currently have more than 500 megawatts of solar and 20 have more than 200 MWs in development. Wed, 05 Oct 2016 17:43:16 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/txu-energy-sunpower-instant-rebate-plan-home-solar-100516 Dallas-based utility, TXU Energy partnered with SunPower to offer an instant rebate of $2,000 to $5,000 to its customers who purchase SunPower solar arrays for their homes through the end of 2016. That’s in addition to retail rate net-metering. Wed, 05 Oct 2016 14:35:26 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/revolution-now-report-doe-highlights-clean-energy-100516 The Department of Energy (DOE) introduced the latest installment of its annual Revolution…Now report, which shows how clean energy technologies, like wind, and solar are proliferating the US, accounting for 66% of new energy in 2015. Wed, 05 Oct 2016 09:37:35 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/toyota-corvallis-cuts-ribbon-net-zero-solar-dealership-100416 Gensler and Toyota of Corvallis in Oregon are collaborating to build one of the car industry’s first fully sustainable, solar-powered facilities. The net zero energy building will produces at least as much energy as it consumes. Tue, 04 Oct 2016 14:19:58 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-outshines-coal-uk-half-2016-100416 The United Kingdom is more known for cloudy days than sunny ones, and it offers a stark contrast to the sunny days experienced in the US southwest. Yet the country sourced more of its power from solar panels than coal for the past six months, without any Tue, 04 Oct 2016 11:11:41 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/zep-beats-musk-to-integrated-solar-roof-tile-100416 Tesla Elon Musk offered teasers about the company’s plans going forward, when he said: “It’s a solar roof as opposed to a module on a roof.” But now it looks like ZEP, a Dutch company will beat SolarCity to the rafters with its solar roof tiles. Tue, 04 Oct 2016 08:15:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunculture-plug-and-play-solar-panels-2017-100316 California’s SunCulture Solar Inc. has announced that it will release its full sized SolPad series of plug-and-play photovoltaic panels in 2017. In what is likely a first in solar technology, the SolPad are as easy to use as plugging into an outlet. Mon, 03 Oct 2016 17:32:17 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/off-gid-renewable-energy-could-achieve-universal-energy-access-100316 Last week IRENA held the third International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC) in Nairobi, Kenya, where it disclosed that off-grid renewables could provide the majority of electric generation needed to achieve universal access. Mon, 03 Oct 2016 14:17:25 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/university-tulsa-stellar-solar-example-oklahoma-100116 The University of Tulsa (UT), in partnership with Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), has completed one of the state’s largest rooftop solar installations on the university’s Case Tennis Center. The 300-kilowatt system could power up to 75 homes Sat, 01 Oct 2016 15:23:02 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-raises-over-half-billion-ahead-tesla-merger-093016 The merger between Tesla Motors and SolarCity isn’t complete yet. Though SolarCity is already seeing some shakeups, it’s still rolling forward and in just over two weeks it has raised more than $652 million in funds to support its solar projects at re Fri, 30 Sep 2016 14:53:00 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-gov-cuomo-35000-residential-solar-long-island-093016 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the completion of the 35,000th residential solar installations on Long Island. These installations have reduced carbon emissions by 200,000 tons yearly, decreased energy costs and employed almost 10,000 workers. Fri, 30 Sep 2016 13:00:24 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-high-schools-build-solar-for-kenya-093016 Students in Northern and Central California will have a chance to build We Share Solar Suitcases that will give Kenyans access to clean electricity and lighting. Students at 19 high schools in PG&E's coverage area will build the rugged, devices. Fri, 30 Sep 2016 12:46:46 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colton-ca-schools-73percent-solar-0929216 SunPower and Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) in Colton, CA, announced a partnership to install SunPower Helix carport systems at 28 schools estimated to cover 73 percent of the district’s energy needs. Thu, 29 Sep 2016 15:27:05 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop-solar-national-solar-tour-ases-092916 Once again it’s time for the National Solar Tour! It’s a chance for people around the country to visit their neighbors’ solar-powered and energy efficient homes to see, hear and learn more about what it means to go solar and how it impacts their liv Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:16:45 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/residential-solar-costs-fall-below-3-per-watt-nrel-092916 The average installed cost for residential solar is now at $2.93 per watt in the first quarter of 2016. That’s according to the latest U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System Cost Benchmark Q1 2016 just published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:05:10 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-city-sets-1gw-solar-goal-2030-092816 Last week during Climate Week NYC New York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the amount of solar power in the city has nearly quadrupled since he took office. However, that’s small potatoes compared to the 1,000 megawatt goal it set for 2030. Wed, 28 Sep 2016 12:01:05 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/team-daytona-beach-house-solar-decathlon-2017-092816 The team of students majoring in architectural and building technology and interior design from Embry-Riddle and Daytona State College (Team Daytona Beach) are bringing their BEACH from concept to reality ahead of next year’s Solar Decathlon in Denver. Wed, 28 Sep 2016 09:16:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg-nearly-30mws-commnutity-solar-minnesota-commercial-customers-092716 In Minnesota NRG Energy said that it has broken ground on its first five community solar projects in Minnesota, totaling 29.1 megawatts of solar power in Xcel energy’s service area. It also announced that serval national companies will subscribe. Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:12:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-aliance-clinton-foundation-creating-solar-jobes-coal-workers-092716 Ever since President Obama initiated his climate change proposal called for the replacing coal-fired energy production in the US with renewable energy, coal workers have been leery of the solar industry. Now solar might give them new, good-paying jobs. Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:47:07 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-clean-power-plan-goes-back-to-court-092716 A suit against Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which requires states to cut their power generation emissions 32-percent by 2030, is being heard in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. Environmental and clean energy advocates have heralded the mandate. Tue, 27 Sep 2016 13:56:05 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-map-shows-little-land-needed-renewables-092616 The Land Art Generator Initiative is introducing illustrations and concepts aimed at showing how renewable and sustainable energy sources can meet the nation’s needs. They also showed a map of how much land California needs to go 100% renewable. Mon, 26 Sep 2016 14:00:28 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solsmart-recognizes-22-communities-making-solar-easier-092616 SolSmart announced that 22 communities across the US achieved SolSmart status from the Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative. The program recognizes cities, towns and counties for making it faster, easier and cheaper to go solar by reducing soft cos Mon, 26 Sep 2016 11:40:12 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreserve-studies-urban-solar-farm-south-africa-092416 California solar energy project developer and owner, SolarReserve has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency initializing the study and development of its “Urban Solar Farm” initiative in South African cities. Sat, 24 Sep 2016 12:13:54 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/due-energy-rebates-beat-expectations-092316 In less than a year, Duke Energy’s South Carolina solar rebate program has already issued nearly $5 million in rebates to customers. Already more than 750 residential and more than 35 businesses have applied for solar rebates in the state showing the in Fri, 23 Sep 2016 16:32:40 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Albuquerque-25-percent-power-solar-092316 This week Albuquerque, NM, announced that 25 percent of its city facilities will use solar power by 2025. The announcement came as Environment America expanded the Shining Cities campaign to convince local governments to expand the use of solar power. Fri, 23 Sep 2016 15:37:36 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pressure-nevada-reinstate-solar-net-metering-092216 Nevada’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reversed an order allowing homeowners with solar to get the net-metered payments they expected. But that wasn’t enough for the Bring Back Solar Alliance and other solar advocates like Patagonia and SEIA. Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:18:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-50mw-solar-project-arizona-bite-green-energy-092216 Apple announced that it joined the RE100 initiative with a pledge to source 100 percent of its energy from green sources and to help its suppliers to do as well. Already it’s making good on that promise and its new 50 megawatt solar project is an exampl Thu, 22 Sep 2016 11:08:13 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/smashsolar-introduces-solar-legos-mounting-system-092116 To cut the costs of solar farther SMASHsolar has introduced a new, direct mount system for installing solar power. The company said that it can halve the amount of time it takes to install a system, reducing solar installation costs by 15 cents a watt. Wed, 21 Sep 2016 17:41:35 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-streamlines-solar-with-drones-robots-092216 SunPower, a vertically integrated solar company is clearly bringing technology from science fiction films to the real world with the latest generation of its Oasis platform for solar projects with drones and robots. Wed, 21 Sep 2016 16:34:05 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-vf-corp-pthers-green-energy-re100-092116 The RE100 initiative is gaining steam. At Climate Week NYC this week already 10 companies from Apple to VF Corp (owner of The North Face, Timberland and other lifestyle companies) to Bank of America, annoyed that they will commit to 100% renewable energy. Wed, 21 Sep 2016 10:51:44 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/air-force-tests-solar-microgrid-fobs-092016 The United States military is once again testing innovative solar technology in the field to improve the safety and capabilities of its personnel on the front lines. This time the Air Force is testing a mobile, solar-powered microgrid in San Antonio. Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:18:05 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-poet-reaches-new-low-might-be-good-092016 On Sept. 19 the Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Authority (ADWEA) announced a new low for solar power, 2.42 cents per kilowatt hour. That’s the lowest bid yet for a project in the world. Tue, 20 Sep 2016 14:30:06 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/university-maryland-creates-solar-powered-helicopter-091916 Team Gamera, an undergraduate group of students and faculty advisors from the Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, successfully designed, constructed and tested the first human-piloted helicopter powered entirely by solar energy. Mon, 19 Sep 2016 16:38:48 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/navy-base-georgic-goes-solar-30mw-farm-091916 The Navy and Georgia Power completed a new 30 MW solar farm at Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) in Kings Bay near St. Marys, GA. The new project is on-base and is the first of more than 150 MWs of projects Georgia Power has planned with the Armed Forces. Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:59:37 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/standard-solar-overcomes-urban-rooftop-solat-challenges-091716 Solar energy developer and financier, Standard Solar, announced that it has 35 commercial-scale rooftop solar projects comprising 9 megawatts of solar power in urban areas like New York City and Washington, DC, on schools, fire stations and more. Sat, 17 Sep 2016 10:42:26 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada-utility-comission-reinstates-net-metering-091616 Nevadans with solar rooftops breathed a collective sigh of relief today as it was announced that they will again receive the benefits of net-metering, allowing them to receive the incentives they anticipated when they signed up for solar power. Fri, 16 Sep 2016 14:50:47 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gm-goes-green-auto-giant-sourcing-energy-renewables-2050-091616 General Motors, one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers, says that by 2050 all of its electricity will come from solar, wind, landfill gas and other renewable energy sources by 2050. GM consumed 9 terawatt hours in 2105, so it's no small fea Fri, 16 Sep 2016 12:49:24 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshade-rolls-out-community-solar-services-091616 With almost 7,000 customers and nearly 100 MW of community solar power from projects already online or in stages of advanced development, community solar provider, SunShare, announced a rollout of services to help grow community solar farms. Fri, 16 Sep 2016 10:23:37 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy-department-40-projects-advance-solar-107m-091516 Yesterday (Sept. 14) The Department of Energy announced three new efforts to help advance solar technologies by funding 40 projects with $42 million in funding and up to $65 million in future funding for advancing solar technology. Thu, 15 Sep 2016 11:04:04 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-constortium-improve-solar-panels-091516 Solar panels continue to get better, more durable and longer lasting. But they can still get better. That’s why the national labs are forming a new consortium, the Durable Module Materials (DuraMat) consortium, to develop and improve solar materials. Thu, 15 Sep 2016 10:25:39 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sea-solar-players-stride-recycling-091616 As the solar energy boom continues to sweep the US, the issue of environmental waste once solar products have reached their end of life is becoming a more pressing question. It’s becoming an issue now that there are over 100 million solar panels install Wed, 14 Sep 2016 16:51:13 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/blm-plan-stop-new-clean-energy-federal-land-advocates-091416 The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently released the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP). However, clean energy advocates are arguing that the new plan will effectively end deployment of clean energy on millions of acres of federal land Wed, 14 Sep 2016 12:32:20 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/whole-foods-model-rapid-solar-rollout-praised-091316 Whole Foods Market, the natural grocery juggernaut, recently announced plans to retrofit roughly 100 of its stores with rooftop solar by 2017. the grocer’s rapid rollout of solar power has generated interest as a model other chains could use to go solar Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:41:22 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-raises-305million-before-tesla-takeover-091316 SolarCity announced that it raised $305 million to support its growth across the US. The announcement comes before Tesla’s purchase of SolarCity is complete. The latest transaction is a cash equity transaction and includes a long-term loan. Tue, 13 Sep 2016 14:22:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/spruce-adds-portfolio-solar-financing-options-solar-loan-091316 Spruce Finance added a solar loan to its portfolio of home solar offerings along with the introduction of its new SpruceFlow platform. The product and service adds to Spruce’s existing offerings, which include power purchase agreements (PPAs) leases. Tue, 13 Sep 2016 09:23:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wildfires-could-cloud-solar-producction-091216 As both solar power and wildfires increase in the west, the latter is having an impact on the former, finds a new report from environmental measurement firm Vaisala. What’s more is that the two reach both their peaks at the same time. Mon, 12 Sep 2016 17:14:11 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/enersave-sbnnebatterie-energy-storage-solar-homeowners-091216 Energy storage systems, when coupled with a solar power array, can help system users save money on their energy bills, continue to grow. Case in point, in New England Enersave said that it will install sonnenBatterie energy storage systems in solar homes. Mon, 12 Sep 2016 16:06:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-more-2-gws-solar-second-quarter-2016-091216 In the second quarter of 2016 the US installed 2,051 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, a record for the quarter and a 43 percent increase over the same quarter in 2015 and 26 percent of all the newly installed electric generation in the US. Mon, 12 Sep 2016 06:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-deploys-41mws-energy-storage-2q-2016-090916 As renewable energy like solar power is growing in the US energy storage is becoming more important. It provides an energy hedge against fluctuation on the grid and fluctuation of energy prices. Thankfully energy storage is stepping up with deployments. Fri, 09 Sep 2016 16:25:03 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/germany-baywa-geenex-partner-350mws-solar-nc-va-090916 There is a solar power movement taking place in the Southeastern US. Case in point, BayWa r.e., a subsidiary of Germany’s BayWa is partnering with solar power developer Geenex Solar to develop 350 megawatts of solar farms in North Carolina and Virginia. Fri, 09 Sep 2016 13:18:25 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rec-solar-solarworld-parrtner-finance-commercial-solar-080816 REC Solar, through its parent company Duke Energy, is allowing SolarWorld’s commercial solar partners access to its $225 million financing fund and other support resources to speed up the development of commercial solar projects. Thu, 08 Sep 2016 11:31:59 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-china-ratify-paris-agreeement-climate-change-090816 This past weekend President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping officially signed the Paris Agreement on climate change with UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon. With that the world’s two largest economies, which produce about 40 percent of the world’s emissi Thu, 08 Sep 2016 10:22:52 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-gtm-discuss-the-future-of-solar-advocacy-ahead-of-spi The future of solar power in the US is closer than ever with Solar Power International 2016 around the corner. The location of this year’s conference is indicative of some of the challenges facing the solar industry and what will face the new leader. Wed, 07 Sep 2016 17:13:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vader-voice-brighter-solar-power-front-page-090716 Famed actor James Earl Jones, best known for his roles in Field of Dreams and as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, will present a segment on solar power on Front Page, a short documentary series for public television stations. Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:45:53 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kwh-analytics-powerlock-solar-production-guarantee-090716 Over time solar power helps provide stabilized energy costs, offering investors a releatively stable return on investments, but there’s still some risk as to a solar array’s energy production over time. Now, PowerLock, a new offering from kWh Analytic Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:12:26 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sharp-affordable-solar-storage-food-bank-090616 Sharp entered the solar energy plus storage market in New Mexico in an impactful way, by installing an energy storage system at the Roadrunner Food Bank. The new installation couples two 30 kilowatt hour Sharp SmartStorage units with its solar array. Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:32:09 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sec-launches-stories-of-solar-090616 On the whole, the southern US isn’t considered a stronghold for solar power. But solar power is beneficial to those who have installed in the region. That’s why the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) launched its new “Stories of Solar” campa Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:21:42 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/honda-motorcars-first-carbon-neutral-car-dealership-090516 The first carbon neutral automotive dealership in the world is Cleveland Ohio’s Motorcars Honda, which was recognized by British Petroleum (BP) for the achievement. Among its efforts it installed a 335 kW solar array producing roughly 70% of its energy. Tue, 06 Sep 2016 09:27:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/western-precooling-systems-solar-4-installations-090516 Cenergy Power just completed its newest collaboration with cold storage company Western Precooling Systems by engineering, designing and installing a 568 kilowatt roof solar array at its Oxnard, CA, cold storage and strawberry cooling facility. Mon, 05 Sep 2016 08:00:02 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pine-gate-renewables-20million-solar-projects-carolinas-090616 Pine Gate Renewables partnered with New Energy Capital Partners to create a $20 million fund for solar projects in North and South Carolina as well as Oregon. The project financing could support up to 200 megawatts of utility-scale solar power. Tue, 06 Sep 2016 08:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada-grandfathering-saga-continues-solarcity-090216 A booming industry quickly dropped 93 percent when Nevada's utility commission ended net metering. It's revisiting net-metering now but kicked SolarCity out of the proceedings. Fri, 02 Sep 2016 14:45:44 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/illinois-north-central-college-solar-array-green-challenge-090216 North Central College in Naperville, IL, is going solar thanks in part to a recent partnership with the Billion Dollar Green Challenge. The college is installing a 538.56 kilowatt solar array with 250 kW energy storage system. Fri, 02 Sep 2016 12:28:45 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-state-university-long-beach-solar-carport-090116 The California State University system is going big on solar power. It’s been adding in solar power in large amounts across of its campuses. Now it announced it’s latest project, a 4.8 megawatt solar carport at its Long Beach campus. Thu, 01 Sep 2016 14:57:21 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/boulder-commits-100-percent-clean-energy-090116 Boulder, CO, Mayor Suzanne Jones announced that her city will source all of its electricity from clean energy sources like wind and solar power by 2030. Jones made the announcement at a Ready for 100% event. Thu, 01 Sep 2016 11:06:27 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/noel-supercomputer-eastern-us-30-percent-renewables-083116 NREL used a supercomputer to investigate how the eastern US’s electric grid could handle up to 30 percent of its power coming from wind and solar power. Wed, 31 Aug 2016 16:51:43 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida-add-solar-tax-break-constitution-083116 Florida’s voters—by a 73 percent margin!—supported Amendment 4 to end tax liabilities for home and business solar installations in the state. The amendment will make it easier to support solar projects in the state and encourage growth in the indust Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:45:53 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pepco-clean-energy-collective-sepa-solar-power-players-083116 The Smart Electric Power Alliance’s (SEPA’s) 2016 Solar Power Player Awards recognizes utilities, companies and individuals who are innovating and collaborating to expand the use of distributed energy like rooftop solar. Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:14:45 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-hampshire-gov-hassan-signs-net-metering-throwback-083016 “Let’s brew up some more solar in New Hampshire,” could have been a slogan at last week’s ceremonial bill signing to lift the state’s cap on net metering. After all NH Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) signed the bill at Throwback Brewery's solar roof. Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:03:53 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/peg-regional-renewable-choice-customer-program-083016 Community solar is the buzzword these days but California’s Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) just issued a request for proposals for 75 megawatts of small to mid-sized renewable energy projects under its new Regional Renewable Choice program. Tue, 30 Aug 2016 10:58:39 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-enters-Florida-082916 Last week Vivint Solar announced that it was entering one of the US’s richest states for solar power, Florida. It becomes one of the first large, multi-state rooftop solar third-party ownership companies to enter into the market with zero-down solar fin Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:24:03 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dc-ambitious-renewable-requirements-short-onsolar-082916 Washington, DC, recently increased its renewable portfolio standard (RPS) target to 50 target by 2032 requiring 5 percent of it to come from solar power at that point. However, the EIA found that the city is already falling below those goals. Mon, 29 Aug 2016 09:28:25 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-state-university-chico-introduces-solar-charger-station-082716 As students return to California State University, Chico, they’ll find they’re now able to charge their mobile devices and their laptops via a solar charging station designed and built by students. Sat, 27 Aug 2016 08:30:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ikea-installing-washington-state-rooftop-solar-082616 The Swedish furniture is installing some of the most massive rooftop solar arrays by installing a 1.18 megawatt solar array on its upcoming in Renton, WA, which will serve the Seattle area. When it’s completed it will be the largest in Washington. Fri, 26 Aug 2016 16:09:40 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/southern-ute-soon-enjoy-solar-power-082616 The Southern Ute Tribe will soon have a 1.3 megawatt solar array, the Oxford Solar Project, to power some of its buildings in Ignacio, CO. The solar farm will offset roughly 15 percent of the tribe’s energy usage at 10 of its buildings while reducing it Fri, 26 Aug 2016 12:30:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-pore-international-announces-keynote-agenda-082616 The largest solar power conference in North America, Solar Power International (SPI) is returning to Las Vegas, starting Sept 12 and running through Sept. 15. It’s an event that brings the industry together to showcase the latest and greatest solar. Fri, 26 Aug 2016 11:15:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-decathlon-new-contests-sets-denver-dates-2017-082516 The Solar Decathlon is coming Denver! In 2017 the Department of Energy will bring the olympics of solar power, the Solar Decathlon, to Denver from Oct. 5 through Oct. 15. It’s also the first time event will offer cash prizes to competing teams. Thu, 25 Aug 2016 13:45:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-parks-100-years-young-nrel-helping-082516 The National Park Service is now 100 years old and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is helping the park service move into its second century by greening its energy supply with solar, wind and other installations. Thu, 25 Aug 2016 11:03:52 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rei-distribution-center-2mw-solar-array-net-zero-082416 REI’s new distribution center in Goodyear, AZ is part of the outdoor retail giant’s goal to achieve net-zero energy use thanks to its 2.2 megawatt (MW) rooftop system that offsets 100 percent of the center’s electricity needs. Wed, 24 Aug 2016 16:08:49 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-costs-all-time-low-us-082416 The median cost of residential solar power in the US reached $4.10 per watt in 2015, down from roughly $7 per watt in 2010. That’s according to the latest figures from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) Tracking the Sun IX. Wed, 24 Aug 2016 19:42:06 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/north-carolina-solar-leader-small-power-producers-082416 One might expect California to be the leader in solar power in the US and they’d be right. But the state that’s in second place—particularly in terms of third-party owned solar might be a surprise. Rather than a state like Nevada its North Carolina. Wed, 24 Aug 2016 15:00:11 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado-first-weatherization-install-solar-low-income-082316 The Department of Energy (DOE) recently allowed Colorado to use Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funds to install rooftop solar on low-income homes, becoming the first state allowed to do so. Tue, 23 Aug 2016 14:07:23 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sungevity-raises-2million-for-nonprofits-082216 Home and commercial solar services provide Sungevity announced that its foundation, sungevity.org, has raised more than $2 million to support more than 100 nonprofits, ranging from The Sierra Club the American Diabetes Association and more. Mon, 22 Aug 2016 17:43:27 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/chilean-solar-projects-lowest-price-ever-solar-082216 Solarpack won a bid in Chile for a 120 megawatt solar farm to produce 280 gigawatt hours of solar power annually at a cost of $29.10 megawatt hours. The new bid is the lowest price ever bid for a solar project—even lower than the $29.90 cents per megawa Fri, 30 Dec 2016 09:30:32 PST https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-could-see-100gws-utility-scale-082216 Today (Aug. 22) Wiki-Solar announced that 2016 will likely be another record year for utility-scale solar power and could see as many as 100 gigawatts (GWs) of newly installed solar projects over 4 megawatts in size. Mon, 22 Aug 2016 10:32:22 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/university-california-80mws-solar-energy-081916 The University of California system is now getting 60 megawatts (MWs) of solar power from the Five Points Solar Park. The Fresno County solar farm is supplying about 14 percent of the university system’s electricity needs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/irene-visalia-global-atlas-solar-wind-data-081916 The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) just made more information from the “Global Atlas for Renewable Energy” free for download. The atlas has offered comprehensive data to support renewable energy development for people throughout the wor Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-replace-coal-nv-energy-081916 Earlier this week NV Energy proposed retiring the Reid Gardner coal plant on Feb. 28, 2017, nearly a year earlier than the Dec. 31, 2017 date it previously planned to close the plant on. The power from the plant will instead be generated with solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/commercial-microgrid-complete-testing-081816 Sungevity and partners completed the first phase of a commercial microgrid that includes a 832 kilowatt solar installation. The microgrid was installed at the Ram's Hill Golf Course in Borrego Springs, CA, and is expected to save $300,000 a year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/virginia-gov-supports-solar-announces-20mw-farm-081816 Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) announced that Hecate Energy, LLC has received a permit to build the Cherrydale Project, a 20 megawatt utility-scale solar facility in Cape Charles. The solar farm will generate enough energy to power over 3,000 homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ascent-solar-lightweight-solar-charger-awards-outdoor-retailer-081816 Earlier this month Colorado’s Ascent Solar Technologies debuted its newest EnerPlex thin-film solar chargers at the Outdoor Retailer show. The thin-film solar chargers are flexible and extremely light earning it numerous “Best of Show” awards. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/1366-technologies-innovates-3d-solar-wafer-081716 1366 Technologies said its Direct Wafer process is able to grow a “three dimensional” wafer or a thin silicon wafer with a thick border, which reduces the amount of silicon required for each wafer without sacrificing strength, durability or performanc Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/michigan-largest-utility-1-mw-community-solar-0811716 Consumers Energy is building its second large-scale solar power plant, a 1 megawatt solar farm, on 8.5 acres of Western Michigan University property. The new project is part Consumers Energy’s Solar Gardens program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-gets-greener-suppliers-commit-100percent-renewable-081716 Apple announced that its suppliers and manufacturers in Asia are going as green as the company is going with all of its operations. As Apple CEO Tim Cook is touring Asia the company announced that 14 of its assembly plants are now no-waste facilities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/when-will-polymer-solar-roll-out-081616 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently reported that polymer solar cells, which can effectively be printed onto sheets akin to printing a newspaper from a long spool of paper, are coming closer to practicality. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/coseia-seia-settlement-colorado-xcel-energy-081616 In a positive move for the solar industry in Colorado the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA), the national Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Xcel Energy and more than 20 parties signed an agreement that supports solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report-showcases-10-us-cities-100percent-renewable-081616 A recent report showcases how 10 US cities committed to 100 percent clean energy and how their decisions are creating local jobs, saving residents money and reducing pollution. It’s the first report out of The Sierra Club’s new Ready for 100 campaign. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tanzania-gets-new-web-portal-solar-microgrids-081516 Today (Aug. 15) the World Bank’s International Finance Corp. (IFC) announced the launch of a web portal to speed development of mini electric grids in Tanzania, which could help up to 9.1 million people in the nation gain access to electricity. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/how-tom-make-community-solar-accesible-081216 A new study reveals that community solar projects have the potential to impact between 3 million and 12 million households across the country. However, participation among consumers may lack as community solar projects are built. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gwu-semprius-super-efficient-solar-cells-081216 George Washington University (GWU) has partnered with Semprius to help bring the next generation of multi-junction photovoltaic cells to light. The university will work to develop PV devices that can convert 50 percent of the sun’s light into electricit Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-solar-roof-081216 Elon Musk, already is announcing lofty plans for the residential and commercial solar installing giant, specifically solar roofs. Musk, already SolarCity’s chairman, raised the roof with the information when he spoke at SolarCity’s recent earnings cal Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rmi-rocspot-community-solar-rochester-081116 The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) released a request for proposals (RFP) to develop 16 megawatts (MWs) of community solar projects in Rochester, NY, to expand solar access to low and moderate income local residents. Rochester's ROCSPOT partnered with RMI Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/oneroof-energy-refinances-12mws-rooftop-solar-081116 Solar services company OneRoof Energy just refinanced a portfolio of its residential solar rooftops on 1,611 homes to the tune of $19.8 million. Under the refinancing Greenbacker Renewable Energy is purchasing the majority stake in the 12.1MW portfolio. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg-bids-2100mws-sunedison-wind-solar-projects-081116 NRG Energy has submitted a bid to purchase up to 2.1 gigawatts of wind and solar projects in the US owned by bankrupt SunEdison. Under the filing by SunEdison NRG would pay $144 million for 2.1 gigawatts of projects throughout the country. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/university-michigan-wins-2016-american-solar-challenge-081016 The 2016 American Solar Challenge title goes to the University of Michigan for the sixth time in a row. The team’s Aurum car completed the multi-day, 1,975 mile race on Aug. 6 in 48 hours, 26 minutes and 46 seconds more than 10 hours ahead. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/settlement-new-mexico-avoids-hike-solar-customers-081016 New Mexico’s Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS) had proposed a rate hike on its solar customers to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. However, Earthjustice,Vote Solar and New Mexico attorney Jason Marks, successfully fought the proposal Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-energy-diversity-legislation-renewable-storage-081016 Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) signed An Act Relative to Energy Diversity (H. 4568) into law, which, among other things supports renewables and energy storage as well as creates a commercial PACE program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewables-cut-costs-emissions-improve-technologies-080916 In what’s pretty much a win-win-win scenario, MIT has published a new study showing that the impact of more renewable energy on the world will be reduced emissions, improved renewable energy technologies and lowered costs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-cleared-sell-power-solar-080916 Apple continues to become more ubiquitous. The tech giant, which sells everything from smartphones to computers and all forms of media and more may soon enter people’s lives by selling its excess renewable energy. Perhaps they’ll call it iPower! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mosaic-raises-$220m-solar-financing-080816 Homeowners who want to save money on their electric bills by going solar have more financing options than ever. Now, a new partnership between solar financing provider Mosaic and investment firm Warburg Pincus, is helping to ensure such options remain. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/first-solar-expanding-commnunity-solar-121mw-projects-080816 First Solar is continuing to expand into community solar power with 121 megawatts of newly announced community solar projects with M+W Energy and other companies. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/uc-berkeley-grid-alternatives-off-grid-developing-nations-080416 Researchers and students at the University of California, Berkley are partnering with non-profit GRID Alternatives to study off-grid solar projects in Nicaragua, Nepal and tribal communities in the US. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community-banks-org-awards-community-solar-project-080316 The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), a group with more than 6,000 banks across the country, recently announced its 2016 ICBA National Community Bank Service Awards, with a solar project in Colorado winning its Grand National Award. Wed, 03 Aug 2016 10:00:01 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-approves-50percent-renewable-mandate-080316 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) introduced a new renewable energy standard for the state, which was approved by the state’s utility commission. It will require its utilities to source 50 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2030. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-agrees-tesla-buyout-080216 SolarCity’s board accepted Tesla’s offer to purchase the company for $2.6 billion, making Tesla not just an electric motor and battery company but a more full-fledged energy company. With the SolarCity it will become a solar manufacturer and installer Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshot-initiative-focusses-home-solar-080216 The Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative introduced a series of posts under the umbrella of SunShot Spotlight: Solar and Real Estate to help people understand the myriad of opportunities for residential solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada-energy-proposes-net-metering-grandfather-solar-080116 In a blow to rooftop solar customers statewide, current and future, net metering was dismantled in the Silver State last December by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of Nevada, forcing layoffs in the sector. Now that may change. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshot-initiative-supports-new-solar-research-073116 Now that the price of solar power is well on its way to reaching the SunShot Initiative’s goal of falling to 6 cents per kilowatt hour the Department of Energy (DOE) is supporting more innovative solar technologies. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/north-caroline-vets-graduate-solar-industry-jobs-072916 This month 13 Fort Bragg veterans graduated from the Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Solar Ready Vets program in North Carolina. In North Carolina, the solar sector accounted for 5,541 full-time jobs. That’s a promising figure for the Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-device-harnesses-carbon-dioxide-fuel-072916 Imagine sucking carbon dioxide from the air and making it into fuel for a car with nothing but the power of the sun. That’s what researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago did, and they’re now bringing that vision into reality. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/university-buffalo-sunshot-pervoskite-grant-072816 New York’s University at Buffalo and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) just won a grant from the Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative to investigate chalcogenide perovskites. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-analysis-solar-power-world-top-500-contractors-072816 Solar Power World’s annual Top 500 Solar Contractors List is out now. It’s the leading magazine list of the nation’s best solar contractors. Behind the list is analysis from SolarReviews.com, the nation’s largest database of customer's solar revie Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gm-bolt-assembly-plant-more-50-percent-green-energy-072816 More than half of all the electricity used at the General Motors Orion assembly plant—where the company is producing the Chevy Bolt—comes from renewable energy. In fact, fully 54 percent of power used at the plant comes from solar and landfill gas. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-power-seeks-300mws-solar-wind-072716 Minnesota is about to get a lot more solar. Minnesota utility Minnesota Power just issued a request for proposals (RFP) for up to 300 megawatts each of wind and solar power. The utility said it’s the first in a series of RFPs that it plans to offer. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-market-snapshot-finds-rooftop-solar-50percent-growth-072716 Rooftop solar power jumped to 5,434 megawatts at the end of 2015 from 3,612 megawatts at the end of 2014. While the 1,822 megawatts of new rooftop solar installed last year was impressive, the utility-sector trounced that with 3,486 new megawatts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/salt-lake-city-latest-city-commit-100-percent-renewable-072716 Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and other city officials have agreed to transition the city to 100 percent renewable electricity sources, like solar and wind, by 2032 and to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 80 percent by 2040. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tuscon-10mw-battery-storage-system-072616 In what’s likely to be one of the largest battery installations to date Tucson Electric Power will use the 10 megawatt Iron Horse Battery Energy Storage Project and a 2 MW solar array to help manage the electric grid in the region. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-impulse-completes-solar-powered-flight-world-072616 Landing in Abu Dhabi at 4 in the morning Solar Impulse completed its round the world flight powered only by the sun, breaking records all the way, including the longest duration flight and the first circumnavigation of the globe powered only by the sun. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-introduces-land-lease-guide-large-solar-072516 Large solar projects need land. It’s the one big impact they have. They can be built on almost anything, from old farmland to old landfills, industrial sites and more offering landowners an extra income opportunity. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/musk-master-plan-part-deux-builds-solar-072516 In late June Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors made an up to $2.8 billion bid for SolarCity owned by his cousin Lyndon Rive. Last week, almost a month to the SolarCity announcement, Musk announced his “Master Plan, Part Deux” building on the original plan. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fort-hood-getting-40percent-energy-from-wind-solar-projects-072316 Fort Hood in Texas will soon get all of its electric needs from wind and solar sources. That’s thanks to a recently signed power-purchase agreement for 65.8 megawatts of energy, with 40 percent from its wind and solar projects and more from the grid. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-advocates-introduce-plan-distributed-grid-072216 As more solar power and particularly rooftop comes online utilities will have to keep changing how they charge and reimburse customers with solar power. To help ensure that charges are fair the SEIA and partners introduced a new paper. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/top-10-states-solar-under-attack-utilities-072216 The states with the greatest amounts of solar power per person are those that are seeing the steepest opposition from utilities. For instance, Nevada, which ranked first among states for solar power per person. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wisconsin-landfill-largest-solar-farm-in-state-072116 Alliant Energy commissioned Wisconsin’s largest solar facility last month in the Town of Beloit. The Rock River Solar project transformed the 17-acre landfill site into a 2.3 megawatt (MW) solar farm with more than 7,700 solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/future-internet-wing-solar-facebook-072116 Facebook announced the first flight of Aquila, a solar-powered autonomous flying wing that will be able to beam the internet to users from 60,000 feet in the air across a 60 mile diameter for months at a time. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/umass-amherst-goes-solar-save-6-million-072116 Soon rooftops at the University of Massachusetts Amherst will be generating savings for the campus—an estimated $6.2 million in savings over the next 20 years. That will be thanks to eight solar arrays, six rooftop installations and two parking canopies Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunrun-gains-33-million-srec-loan-solar-rooftops-071916 Sunrun continues its run into the summer months with a new $33 million to finance a portfolio of solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), which will help reduce costs for its new residential customers in certain states. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report-finds-solar-net-metering-poses-credit-risk-utilties-071916 New research from Fitch Ratings suggest that net-metering could pose potential long-term threats to the creditworthiness of investor-owned utilities. However, the company also suggests that the risk is manageable. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bipartisan-senators-propose-itc-energy-storate-071916 Last week US Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced a bill with bipartisan cosponsored by Dean Heller( R-NV) and others to create investment tax credits (ITC) for energy storage systems like battery systems. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-renvate-america-pace-home-solar-071916 Today Vivint Solar and Renovate America announced a new partnership to use property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing to support home solar installations. The financing mechanism will help lower the cost of solar power for homeowners. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-proposes-clean-energy-savings-for-all-initiative-071916 The Obama Administration introduced the Clean Energy Savings For All Initiative today (July 19), which aims to expand access to solar power and energy efficiency to low and moderate income communities throughout the country. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaiian-utilities-reject-utility-buyout-proposal-071716 Solar, environmental, consumer groups and other organizations applauded the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission's decision to reject NextEra Energy’s proposed takeover of Hawaiian Electric. Based on its anti-rooftop solar stance. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-raises-455m-ahead-of-tesla-buyout-071816 Today SolarCity announced that it has raised $345 million more to finance its growing growing business. It’s expanded its debt facility by $110 million. Both of which mean the residential and commercial solar installer can continue to grow its business. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/environmentalists-labor-call-congress-oil-subsidies-071516 More than 40 organizations wrote a letter to Congress requesting that they pass the FAIR Energy Policy Act, which would phase out tax breaks for the fossil fuel industry. Signatories said the industry gets $4 billion annually in tax breaks. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/brewery-vivant-toasts-sun-solar-071516 Grand Rapids, MI-based Brewery Vivant recently installed a 54 kilowatt solar system atop its brewing facility and The Chapel, its pub. The 192 panel system installed earlier this month is expected to produce 20 percent of the facility’s energy needs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-reaches-8-gigawatts-solar-power-071416 California’s Independent System Operator (ISO) recorded a new milestone for the state’s electric grid when solar power provided 8,030 megawatts of electricity to California’s homes and businesses. The state reached the record on July 12 at 1:06 p.m. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-emissions-down-solar-wind-renewables-071416 Electric producers in the US have significantly reduced emissions of key air pollutants by 15 percent between 2005 and 2014 and may have dropped another 6 percent in 2015. That’s despite a growing economy and increased electric generation. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-diego-fire-stations-go-solar-071416 Solar is heating up in San Diego this summer as five fire stations and one maintenance facility in The North County Fire Protection District (NCFPD) covert to solar, allowing the six facilities to meet and exceed their energy needs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hoe-solar-boom-precede-home-energy-storage-boom-071316 Over the next 10 years residential energy storage systems (RESS) across the world are expected to boom from under 95 megawatts of systems of annually deployed systems to 3.8 gigawatts of new energy storage systems in 2025 annually. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/study-finds-solar-panels-cool-local-climate-071216 A new study at Lancaster University and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in the United Kingdom found that solar farms not only are good for the environment because they’re eliminating pollutants for the atmosphere, they’re also good locally. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/connecticut-green-bank-largest-commercial-roof-pace-071216 the Connecticut Green Bank used the state’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program and the CT Solar Lease Commercial program, to finance and install the state’s largest solar rooftop, a 995 kilowatt solar rooftop for Lesro industri Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-joins-100mw-solar-farm-club-071216 The 100 megawatt (MW) North Star Solar Project was just purchased by D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments, LLC (DESRI) from Community Energy. When completed it will be the largest solar project in the Midwest. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/southern-company-solar-farm-buying-streak-071216 In less than a week Southern Company acquired of three large solar farms each in different states. It acquired two solar farms 102 megawatts in size in, one in California, the other in Texas and a 74 megawatt solar farm in North Carolina. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/enphase-pilots-microinverter-management-pge-071116 Enphase Energy and Pacific Gas & Electric are piloting a program using integrating microinverters for solar panels to control the flow of electricity through grid management. The program is designed to study Enphase’s systems to develop the smart grid. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/residential-solar-activity-up-300-percent-071116 More than 200,000 US homes had photovoltaic solar panels on them at the end of 2015. In 2010, only about 54,000 homes had solar panels. What’s more the report found that the trend is curving up like a hockey stick. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Horizon-solar-acts-of-sunshine-solar-farm-growing-experience-071116 Horizon Solar Power launched “Acts of Sunshine Program,” a community support initiative in Southern California. In the first partnership Horizon is collaborating with The Growing Experience to install solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rhode-island-gov-signs-clean-energy-bills-070816 This week Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) signed into law four clean energy bills that will expand the use of solar power and other renewables in the nation’s tiniest state. The bills expand its renewable energy standard, allow zero-down rooftop sol Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/floridans-gaining-confindence-on-site-solar-070816 A new Florida Public Service Commission report revealed that electric generation capacity from renewable energy systems increased 35 percent statewide over the prior year, reaching 107,545 kilowatts. The number of homeowners interconnected to th Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mandalay-bay-bets-sun-largest-solar-rooftop-070816 Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas made a smart bet by installing the US’s largest rooftop solar array. The 8.3 megawatt behemoth rooftop solar array consists of 26,000 photovoltaic panels and supplies 25 percent of the power required to run Mandalay Bay. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-diego-solar-first-to-reach-net-metering-2-070716 San Diego Gas & Electric is the first utility in California to meet its limit for net-metering under California’s original rooftop solar subsidy with 90,000 rooftop solar installations in its service area, comprising 5 percent of its generation base. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/home-commercial-solar-raise-1-4-billion-2q-070716 The solar industry keeps evolving. That’s perhaps a key takeaway from Mercom Capital Group’s most recent quarterly Global Funding and M&A Report. The report found that residential and commercial solar funding rose to $1.36 billion worldwide. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/los-angeles-500-pledge-low0income-solar-500-families-070716 GRID GLA and its team of volunteers and job trainees are installing rooftop solar for 500 low-income families in Los Angeles this summer providing up to 1.6 megawatts (MW) of new rooftop solar in the City of Angles. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/first-solar-pushes-thin-film-ends-silicon-070616 First Solar announced that it will expand production of its Series 5 thin-film photovoltaic modules at its solar power plant in Kulim, Malaysia. In doing so, it also announced that it will halt production of its silicon solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/children-discovery-museum-san-jose-sunpower-070616 Organizations in San Jose came together last week to help Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose save energy, educate youth and provide life and job skill training. The solar company SunPower donated 90 panels at the iconic downtown museum. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/perovskite-solar-could-reach-31percent-efficiency-070616 Research from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory show that perovskite solar cells, one of the newer solar technologies being explored, could reach efficiency levels of 31 percent—knocking on the door of the theoretical li Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-green-innovation-index-1400-solar-growth-070516 The latest California Green Innovation Index by Next 10 shows that solar has grown 1,378 percent between 2009 and 2014. Moreover all forms of renewable energy and electric vehicles are experiencing significant growth in the Golden State. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/michigan-tech-osu-coal-workers-placement-solar-070516 Among the jobs and industries most threatened by power are coal jobs. However researchers are showing that coal workers could find jobs in, well, solar power—the very thing that may have taken their jobs in the first place. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/oneroof-energy-selling-20-mws-rooftop-solar-070416 As the rooftop solar power market matures it’s able to attract more investors. Case in point OneRoof Energy announced that it will sell 19.8 megawatts of its solar project assets through two new transactions, which should generate up to $61 million. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-bank-boosts-solar-india-partnership-isa-070416 The World Bank Group announced a new collaboration on June 30 with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which will result in $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030. The World Bank also signed an agreement to loan $1 billion to finance solar in India. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop-solar-supply-third-new-york-energy-070116 New York’s rooftops could provide up to 37.4 percent of the Empire State’s electric needs. That’s one of the findings from a new solar integration study by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which manages the electric grid in the stat Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community-solar-consumer-guide-released-070116 There’s still a lot for people to learn about the opportunity community solar promises, so the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) introduced their Residential Consumer Guide to Community Solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/yale-grades-connecticut-solar-063016 Yale created an important new resource to understand how Connecticut’s 169 municipalities are embracing solar power. As such, they also show how other communities are doing and what’s enabled them to have higher or lower scores. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/three-companies-maintain-solar-us-063016 Just three companies First Solar, SunEdison and SunPower account for 44 percent of the operations and maintenance providers in the US according to IHS’s recently released Solar EPC and O&M Providers Report - North America - 2016. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2016-presidential-solar-throwdown-challenge-063016 As the 2016 presidential elections gain momentum candidates were thrown a new challenge, the Solar Throwdown. The challenge asks candidates to demonstrate clean energy leadership by installing solar on their homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sungevity-merger-public-company-062916 Sungevity made two, concordant major announcements, that it will merge with Easterly Acquisition Corp. and become a publicly traded company. The move will help residential solar company Sungevity raise funds and compete with its publicly traded competitor Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/canada-mexico-us-target-50-percent-clean-energy-2025-062916 The Three Amigos (President Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto) announced that their countries will source 50 percent of their power from clean sources by 2025 under a new clean energy partnership plan. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-green-bank-finances-sunrun-loan-062816 NY Green Bank closed a $25 million loan allowing Sunrun to cover the up-front cost of materials and construction for over 5,000 residential solar projects in New York state. The loan follows a previous $25 million NY Green Bank loan to Sunrun. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/irena-terrawatt-streamline-solar-projects-062816 The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Terrawatt Initiative are leading the Solar Energy Standardisation Initiative. The initiative aims to help spur development of solar projects throughout the world by simplifying going solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bmw-enters-solar-home-energy-storage-market-062816 Last week BMW announced that it’s getting into the home battery market. Instead of just offering a brand new battery system like Tesla’s Powerwall, BMW is offering people a chance to recycle their car battery—to power their home. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mercy-housing-promise-enegy-low-income-062716 Denver-based nonprofit Mercy Housing partnered with Promise Energy, Inc. to increase solar energy use across Mercy Housing’s portfolio of affordable housing throughout the US. The partnership will help low-income residents go solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/glasspoint-solar-world-economic-forum-technology-pioneer-062716 It might sound odd that a solar power company is focussed on oil and gas extraction, but that’s what GlassPoint Solar is focussed on and now it’s been named one of World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-regains-solar-panel-efficiency-record-062716 SunPower has consistently been a leader in solar power efficiency and today (June 27) it announced that once again it holds the world record for the most efficient silicon-based solar panel. Earlier this year SunPower reached 24.1 percent efficiency. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-cradle-to-cradle-panels-envionmental-leader-product-year-062416 Environmental Leader, a sustainability publication, named SunPower’s Cradle to Cradle Certified E-Series and X-Series solar panels as one of its Products of the Year. The solar panels are producing clean energy and fully recycled at their end of life. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dividend-solar-figtree-merge-pace-home-solar-financing-062416 Dividend Solar and Figtree Financing announced that they were merging and, as a combined entity under Dividend’s name, will already receive up to $200 million from LL Funds to grow the new entity. The merger brings commercial PACE to home solar financin Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-introduces-simplified-disclosure-statements-062416 In effort to better inform consumers about the most common residential transactions in the solar industry, Solar Energy Industries Association introduced its new standardized disclosure statements for homeowners, making it easier to understand offers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/montana-gov-introduces-blueprint-solar-energy-future-062316 With places like Big Sky, Montana—even though it’s a more northern state has plenty of options and space for solar power and renewable energy. Governor Steve Bullock’s (D) new plan would double the amount of solar power in the state by 2025. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-ag-solar-tips-062316 New York’s Attorney General has introduced a new guide to help Empire State residents go solar responsibly. The guide is intended to provide information about the various solar options in the state and to help people understand their solar options. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla-makes-2-8-billion-bid-solarcity-062216 Tesla Motors made a surprise move when it offered to purchase SolarCity. The up to $2.8 billion offer would represent a value of $26.50 to $28.50 per share, which Tesla said is a premium of approximately 21 to 30 percent higher than SolarCity’s stock. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-impulse-leaves-for-spain-062216 Solar Impulse—the first manned solar-powered airplane capable of flying throughout the night thanks to its batteries—departed from the John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport in New York early on June 20 to fly across the Atlantic Ocean towards Spain. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/researchers-create-non-toxic-solar-cells-nanocrystals-062116 The search for the cheaper, greener, more flexible solar cell is on. Now researchers at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) in Spain have developed a new thin-film solar cell using earth abundant, non-toxic materials. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-solar-installations-boom-2016-europe-wanes-062116 Earlier this year Europe hit an amazing milestone in solar, surpassing 100 gigawatts of installed solar power across its countries—becoming the first region to do so. It’s a harbinger of 2016 as more than 60 gigawatts of solar power will online in 201 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/irene-recycling-solar-panels-15billion-062016 The International Renewable Energy Agency and the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme have issued a new report showing the value of materials recovered from end-of-life solar panels could exceed $15 billion by 2050. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-unveils-statewide-solar-map-062016 The NY Solar Map and Portal was launched today (June 20) at the 10th Annual NY Solar Summit. The map and portal offers New Yorkers throughout the state detailed information about the solar potential of their homes and buildings along. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/maryland-community-solar-pilot-061716 Earlier this week Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC) approved regulations establishing a community solar pilot program in the state. The pilot has a focus of making sure community solar is accessible by low-income people in the state. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-diego-solar-concert-series-061716 Few things beat concerts in the park on a sunny summer day, but San Diego’s North Park and Home Energy Systems (H.E.S.) found a way by powering the park’s summer concert series with solar power. The concerns will be powered by H.E.S.’s mobile solar Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-hosts-solar-energy-academy-high-school-061616 This summer nearly 550 students from more than 30 California school districts will attend Solar Energy Academy, SunPower’s work-based learning program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/haiti-hospital-lumiere-solar-solarwaorld-061616 Hospital Lumiere, a primary care and medical-surgical facility located in Bon Fin, Haiti will now get its electricity from the sun, thanks to a new 50 kilowatt (kW) solar array with a battery backup system thanks to a donation from SolarWorld. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/perovskite-solar-20percent-efficient-hybrid-44percent-efficient-061516 Creating a more efficient solar device is a holy grail of sorts. One of the most promising low-cost technologies are perovskite crystals. Since December 2015 at least two organizations have created perovskite solar cells more than 20 percent efficient. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/stellar-homes-southern-florida-solar-standard-option-061516 Stellar Homes Group of Fort Lauderdale said it will become the first company in southern Florida to install photovoltaic (PV) solar panels as a standard feature on all its new homes in the region. Stellar will offer the solar arrays at no extra cost to ho Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-costs-drop-60percent-2025-irena-061516 The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) published a new report today (June 15) showing that the cost of solar photovoltaics will continue to plummet over the next decade—falling another 60 percent! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop-solar-distributed-energy-change-for-utilities-061416 More than 90 percent of utility and stakeholders anticipate that distributed energy, like rooftop solar power, will cause a major change to utility business models. Rooftop solar is expected to be the most prevalent form of distributed energy by 2025. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/conedison-sunpower-sunverge-pilot-home-solar-storage-061416 Con Edison is piloting a “virtual power plant” made up of solar-powered homes connected to the grid. That’s thanks to a new partnership with SunPower and Sunverge which will allow more than 300 Con Edison will get solar power systems with battery ba Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:34 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mississippi-power-52mw-solar-plant-061314 Recently Mississippi Power, Origis Energy and the Area Development Partnership (ADP) held a ceremony to celebrate what will be the state’s largest solar facility, the 52 megawatt Lamar County solar farm. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wind-cheaper-than-gas-coal-061316 The latest edition of the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) report “New Energy Outlook 2016” finds that wind and solar power will start being the cheapest form of energy in many countries in the 2020s and most of the world by the 2030s! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/research-shows-rooftop-solar-saves-everyone-money-061016 The utilities might not want to hear it, but rooftop solar power is saving everyone money. That’s what new research from Boston University found. In Massachusetts alone solar saved utility customers $184 million between 2010 and 2012. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ready-for-power-apple-sells-solar-power-061016 Earlier this week Apple filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to sell electricity from its solar farms at the Cupertino, CA, campus and at its Nevada datacenter. The filing also will allow it’s subsidiary Apple Energy to sell power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-bank-invests-625-million-rooftop-solar-india-061016 The World Bank recently approved a $625 million loan to support a program that will generate electricity from a countrywide installations of rooftop solar systems in India. The project will finance the installation of 400 megawatts of rooftop solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ikea-installing-tennessee-largest-rooftop-solar-060916 Ikea recently revealed that it will install the largest rooftop solar system in the state of Tennessee at its new Memphis location, which is set to open in Fall 2016. The 1.5 megawatt (MW) array will cover a 250,675 square-foot with 4,424 solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community-solar-low-income-colorado-grows-massachusetts-060916 It’s been a busy week for Colorado’s Clean Energy Collective. In Colorado it partnered to bring community solar to low-income residents in Summit County. In Massachusetts it expanded its portfolio. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/64percent-new-us-electricity-1q-2016-solar-060916 The first four months of 2016 are a triumph for the US solar industry. 1.7 gigawatts of solar power came online more than the combined total of gas, coal and nuclear. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/harvard-bionic-leaf-beats-plants-photosynthsis-060816 Scientists at Harvard University have developed a ‘bionic leaf’ that uses artificial photosynthesis to convert sunlight into liquid energy at 10 percent efficiency—far more efficient than even the fastest growing plants and can create fuels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bp-energy-review-renewables-lead-new-energy-060816 “Renewables accounted for all of the growth in global power generation in 2015, and contributed 38 percent of world primary energy growth.” That’s a highlight from the 65th edition of the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-india-deepen-solar-power-partnership-060716 The U.S. and India have worked together to bring more solar power to India in the past and on June 7 the White House announced that the two countries are deepening their partnership to help curb climate change and bring power to more of India’s citizens Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/toyota-green-goals-stretch-sun-solar-power-plano-060716 Toyota could claim to be one of the greenest large car makers, after all it introduced the first commercial hybrid, the Prius, in 1997. Now it’s moving forward, developing what might be the greenest, cleanest car headquarters in the U.S. at its new head Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida-babcock-ranch-worlds-solar-city-060916 Which city will be the most solar friendly city in the U.S.? The community of Babcock Ranch in Punta Gorda, FL, is vying for that title. The city hopes to be “The World’s Most Sustainable City.” Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/governments-companies-invest-30b-annually-renewables-060816 Last week at the seventh Clean Energy Ministerial meeting a series of new partnerships and initiatives between business leaders and companies were made which will lead to $30 billion in research and development funding for clean energy annually. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/alabama-redstone-arsenal-sunpower-060816 Redstone Arsenal U.S. Army power in Alabama will soon be powered by the thanks to a new 10 megawatt SunPower array that is beginning construction in June 2016. The new project will provide energy security for the station as well as low-cost electricity. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-power-triples-solar-rebate-060316 While some utilities are cutting back on solar and particularly rooftop solar power, others are making it easier to go solar. Case in point, Minnesota Power recently filed a plan with the state utility commission to triple its fund for solar rebates. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/227-gigawatts-solar-worldwide-060316 The REN21 Renewables 2016 report out June 1 found that by the end of 2015 the world had installed a total of 227 gigawatts of solar power and 50 gigawatts (28 percent) of that came online in 2015 alone! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-relaunches-solar-loan-50-month-060216 SolarCity, which is know for its power-purchase agreements (PPAs), is relaunching a solar loan product replacing its MyPower loan. The product will allow customers to choose from a number of loan options with options starting at roughly $50 a month. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/home-solar-attacked-arizona-aps-end-net-metering-060216 Arizona Public Service (APS), Arizona’s largest utility filed a proposal that would raise residential rates by 7.96 percent, significantly reduce the rate it offers for new rooftop solar customers and institute a demand charge. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-solar-will-drop-below-1per-watt-by-2020-060116 The SunShot Initiative's stellar goal is to bring the cost of utility-scale solar power down to less than $1.00 per watt by the end of the decade, 2020. According to GTM Research’s latest report that's likely to happen. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/maryland-gov-endangers-jobs-vetoing-clean-energy-act-060116 Maryland’s Republican Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed the state’s Clean Energy Jobs Act of 2016, which had bipartisan support in both state houses and strong support of the public, according to polling. The veto upset renewable energy and jobs advocates. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pga-customers-save-192m-rooftop-solar-energy-efficiency-053116 Thanks to rooftop and distributed solar power throughout California, PG&E one of its largest utilities, has not had to invest $192 million in infrastructure costs. That’s because the California grid operator called for canceling 13 transmission projects Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-micogrid-power-north-america-largest-port-053016 Pasha Stevedoring and Terminals and the Port of Los Angeles are building one of the nation’s largest solar-powered microgrid projects in an effort to eliminate emissions from port operations. The $26.6 million project includes a 1 megawatt solar array. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/charlotte-motor-speedway-solar-generators-052716 The Charlotte Motor Speedway sped up with solar this year during the 10 Days of Thunder from May 20 to May 23. This year it used 79 mobile solar devices to save more than 3,000 gallons of diesel. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nit-introduces-gravity-flow-battery-052716 Battery technology is drawing billions of dollars investment, but now MIT researchers are proposing a new take on an old technology, flow batteries, that relies on gravity to store and discharge energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-most-attractive-market-renewable-energy-052616 The U.S. is expected to install 41 gigawatts of solar power and 56 gigawatts of wind power by the end of 2021. That’s enough to keep the country on top of the pile for EY’s RECAI (Renewable energy country attractiveness index) report. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/baltimore-ravens-football-team-solar-touchdown-052616 The Baltimore Ravens and Constellation Energy flipped the switch on a new, 400 kilowatt rooftop solar array at the team’s headquarters in Owings Mills, MD. The new array will provide about 15 percent of the electricity needed at the headquarters. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewable-energy-supports-8m-jobs-worldwide-most-solar-052516 Of the 8.1 million people who work in renewable energy worldwide more 2.8 million work in solar photovoltaics than in any other renewable energy industry. That’s according to a new report from International Renewable Energy Energy Agency (IRENA). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-net-metering-benefit-bookings-052516 The Brookings Institute is out with a new report showing that residential solar net-metering is a net benefit. The report comes as utilities are pushing back against an incentive for homeowners that choose to go solar that helps them control their energy Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop-solar-financing-grows-new-funding-rounds-052416 Between May 23 and 24 nearly $200 million in rooftop solar funding was unlocked through two new, separate rounds of financing. In separate announcements Spruce Finance and Vivint Solar announced funding rounds to bring no-upfront cost solar to U.S. homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/santiago-solar-subway-coming-soon-sunpower-052416 SunPower panels will provide about 42 percent of the power needed to run the subway system in Santiago, Chile. Another 18 percent will come from Vestas wind turbines. It’s the first time solar will supply a significant amount of power to a subway system Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/commercial-solar-market-grow-30percent-2016-052316 The U.S. Commercial solar market is set to grow by 30 percent in 2016, according to GTM Research’s latest report, U.S. Commercial Solar Landscape 2016-2020. The report found that the commercial solar market will see over 1.3 gigawatts of new solar power Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mit-takes-heat-from-sun-solar-thermal-device-052316 With conventional solar panels, like the silicon panels in most solar installations, the photovoltaic (PV) cells can only connect a certain spectrum of light into electricity. A lot of it, particularly thermal heat, is lost. But now researchers at MIT cre Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gamesa-launches-hybrid-wind-solar-offgrid-system-052016 Gamesa, which has installed more than 32 gigawatts of wind power worldwide, introduced a new hybrid power plant that combines solar, wind, energy storage and diesel generators into an off-grid system that can produce up to 2 megawatts of electricity. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-powered-planes-coming-microlink-airbus-052016 While the Solar Impulse plane is lumbering across the world’s skies other companies are getting ready to use solar power in their ariel vehicles pretty quickly. Case in point, Airbus just signed a contract for MicroLinks Solar Sheets. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-energy-storage-economic-benefits-rentals-051916 Solar power with energy storage leads to energy savings for low-income renters in California. That’s according to a new study by the Clean Energy Group and its partners, which is making the case for expanding access to solar power to low-income resident Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/countries-germany-portugal-get-all-power-renewables-051916 Over the past few weeks not one but two countries have reported that renewables provided almost all of their electric needs, in fact renewables like wind and solar did provide all of one nation’s—Portugal's—electric needs for four days straight! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunshot-initiative-halfway-mark-70percent-there-051816 When the SunShot Initiative was introduce in 2011 the goal of reducing the cost of installed solar power to $1 a watt over a decade seemed outlandish. After all, at the time solar power cost roughly $3.80 a watt. Now it's $1.64 a watt! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/australian-researchers-claim-solar-device-efficiency-record-051816 Researchers at UNSW in Australia have produced a solar module that reached 34.5 percent conversion efficiency, which they claim set a new world record in its category of photovoltaic devices. The results were verified by NREL. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-solar-ready-vets-10m-steps-funding-051716 The Department of Energy is expanding the Solar Ready Vets Job Training program, adding 5 New Locations. At the same time it’s supporting 10 new projects in the Solar Training and Education for Professionals (STEP) program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/senators-resolution-million-solar-strong-051716 SEIA created the Million Solar Strong campaign to recognize that the U.S. had reached more than 1 million solar installations. Now Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced a resolution supporting solar and its next goal. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/penn-state-researchers-find-method-producing-low-cost-solar-061916 Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed a method to create huge sheets of thin-film silicon semiconductors, which could create extremely low-cost solar cells. The researchers say they could produce low-cost solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke-energy-building-two-utility-solar-051916 Duke Energy announced approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to construct two new solar farms totaling 75.4 megawatts in two different counties. It continues its efforts to make North Carolina the biggest solar state in the south. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/utilities-$400m-lobbying-against-solar-051316 A recent report from the Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute looked into the lobbying efforts of the U.S.’s 25 largest utilities and found that over the last four years these giant companies spent $400 million in lobbying. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-farms-help-increase-biodiversity-051316 A new study shows that solar farms can increase local biodiversity, which benefits wildlife and even surrounding crops. The new study in Britain shows that solar farms can have benefits in addition to providing clean, renewable energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-cells-hot-stanford-solution-raditive-cooling-051216 As solar cells produce energy in the heat of the day they actually become less efficient at turning the sun’s photons into electrons and electricity. Stanford researchers think they may have found a way to cool the cells with the power of the universe. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewable-energy-buyers-alliance-60gws-corporate-renewable-051216 International companies and four non-governmental organizations officially introduced the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance (REBA) aimed at deploying 60 gigawatts of renewable energy like wind and solar power for their businesses by 2025. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/investors-signing-on-solar-power-051016 Institutional investors are increasingly supporting solar power and renewable energy. In fact, just last month multiple investment organizations announced support for the International Solar Alliance’s goal of a $1 trillion investment in solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-jersey-pseg-100mws-solar-landfills-051116 PSE&G has filed with the New Jersey utility board to install 100 megawatts of new solar power on landfills and brownfields by the end of 2021. The projects would be an extension of the utility’s Solar 4 All program and would invest roughly $275 million. Tue, 27 Jun 2017 15:47:55 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-data-exposes-myths-about-the-cost- of-installing-solar-panels Investigation into the cost of installing solar from a solar company and solar government statistics data. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarize-program-comes-idaho-051016 The Snake River Alliance launched the Solarize the Valley campaign to reduce the cost of solar installations in Ada and Canyon Counties in Idaho. The solarize program will use the power of group purchasing to lower the cost of solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-big-solar-6mwh-energy-storage-project-051016 SolarCity announced that it is entering the utility-scale market with solar and energy storage offerings. It also announced a new, 6 megawatt hour energy storage project with Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/europe-passes-100gws-solar-power-050916 Last week IHS reported that Europe passed an impressive solar energy milestone—surpassing 100 gigawatts (GWs) of solar power. That’s well over a third of the 256 gigawatts of solar panels installed worldwide by the end of 2015. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nypa-suny-testing-solar-powered-battery-storage-project-050916 The New York Power Authority (NYPA) partnered with the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz on a new energy storage project powered by the sun. The new solar array includes a battery storage project at the Elting Gym. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg-partners-spruce-finance-Sunrun-home-solar-050616 NRG Energy, is ending its NRG Home Solar subsidy as it has operated. However, the new Jersey-based energy company’s residential solar company will live on under newly announced partnerships with Sunrun and Spruce Financial. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/caterpillar-solar-microgrid-remote-installations-050616 Caterpillar is likely best known for its heavy equipment movers and their Old Yellow paint jobs, but now it’s offering a new, solar powered microgrid system aimed at more remote locations like cell towers or remote villages. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/keeping-up-jones-solar-power-050516 When someone in a community or town goes solar, it helps get their neighbors thinking the same thing. The thought process that begins with: “Well, Marge and George did it, maybe we should too” and leads to more solar power in the neighborhood. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-ids-lower-than-coal-dubai-050516 The cost of solar power continues to drop. But the latest record low price of solar power came in at a stunningly low 2.99 cents per kilowatt hour for solar projects in Dubai. The lowest price came from FRV and Masdar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/santa-monic-mandates-solar-rooftops-040416 It looks the competition to be the solar-iest city is heating up. Santa Monica’s City Council voted that all new construction in the City of Santa Monica must have solar rooftops—both residential and commercial, and it goes into effect in 30 days! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-gets-25m-integration-boost-energy-department-040416 The U.S. Energy Department’s SunShot Initiative is offering $25 million to help modernize the grid with real-time monitoring through it’s new Enabling Extreme Real-Time Grid Integration of Solar Energy (ENERGISE) offering. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/1-million-solar-installations-a-start-for-us-050316 On May 3 the U.S. solar industry celebrated an important milestone—1 million solar installations across the U.S. It’s an impressive milestone, especially considering that in 2009 the country had just 100,000 solar installations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/marine-cops-31mw-solar-array-georgia-power-050216 Last week the U.S. Navy and Georgia Power broke ground on a 31 megawatt solar panel array at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany. The project will provide stable energy for the base at costs equal or better than the base can get from the utility. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-will-add-66gws-solar-2016-gtm-research-050216 A new report out from GTM Research reaffirms that 2016 will be a record year for solar power across the world. In its quarterly Global Solar Demand Monitor: Q2 2016 the firm anticipated that 66 new gigawatts of solar power will be installed worldwide Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/10-sunny-states-block-rooftop-solar-progress-042916 A new report out from The Center of Biologic Diversity introduced a new report, Throwing Shade: 10 Sunny States Blocking Distributed Solar Development. The report looked at how a number of states, among them the Sunshine State itself, Florida. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lis-angeles-warehouses-16megawatt-rooftop-solar-042916 PermaCity will build a new, 16.4 megawatt project on warehouses on roofs of Westmont Drive. Covering 2 million square feet, it will be the largest rooftop solar array in the U.S., if not the world. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-more-solar-than-wind-042816 For the first time utility-scale solar power has surpassed wind power in The Golden State, which has the highest amount of connected clean power and solar power in the country. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solsmart-solar-cummunities-initiative-launches-042716 The International City/County Management Association and The Solar Foundation (TSF) have launched SolSmart, a new program that recognizes solar cities and counties and empowers other communities to become solar friendly through free technical advice. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/big-apple-launches-solarize-campaign-042716 New York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Solarize NYC as part of OneNYC’s 80x50 campaign to reduce the city’s emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The new Solarize NYC program will expand access to lower-cost solar power through group purchasing. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-will-see-67-gws-solar-power-2016-mercom-042716 A new Mercom Capital Group report anticipates that solar power will break previous records in 2016 as it has for the past decade. The report found that in 2016 the world will install roughly 66.7 gigawatts of new solar power. That’s up from 57.8 gigawat Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunfunder-beyond-grid-solar-fund-opic-042616 SunFunder’s mission is to improve access to reliable energy in emerging markets through the power of solar. The U.S. Government’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has approved a $15 million loan to the company. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/att-sunpower-partner-home-solar-marketing-042616 AT&T and SunPower announced a new partnership under which the companies will co-market SunPower Equinox home solar systems this summer. They’ve also partnered to deliver connective services for SunPower’s Equinox systems through the Internet. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-research-nanotube-semiconducgtors-solar-power-042516 Nanotubes are an exciting technology with many potential applications, one of them, solar power. Now researchers at the Energy Department's NREL have determined that single-walled carbon nanotubes could be semiconductors for organic solar cells. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-solar-companies-utilities-propose-net-metering-042516 It often seems that utilities and solar companies, particularly solar installers that put solar power on homes and businesses are at odds. A new partnership partnership in New York is showing that there are some other possibilities where all get along. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-francisco-earth-day-new-buildings-solar-requirement-042216 San Francisco announced a remarkable step toward increasing clean energy in the city. All new buildings must have solar panels. The panels can be either photovoltaic or solar hot water panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/earth-day-paris-agreement-signing-042216 Nothing is more fitting for Earth Day than the overwhelming majority of countries coming together to sign the Paris Climate Agreement, which was hosted by the United Nations last year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-impulse-resumes-worldwide-journey-hawaii-042116 Solar Impulse resumes attempt to become first manned aircraft powered purely by the sun, to circumnavigate the globe. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/earth-day-siea-million-solar-strong-042116 Earth Day is just a spin away and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) observed that the U.S. has hit a big milestone—1 million solar installations across the country. It’s launched a new social media campaign Million Solar Strong to celebra Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/senate-energy-bill-passes-mixed-reviews-0420216-b The Senate passed the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, the most significant piece of energy legislation thus far this session. The new legislation met mixed reviews from renewable energy and environmental organizations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-advocates-files-arizona-ballot-amendment-041916 A new political action committee in Arizona Yes on AZ Solar filed late last week to preserve net metering in the state. The new organization filed paperwork to place a constitutional amendment known as the Arizona Solar Energy Freedom Act on the ballot. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/haitian-nonprofits-solar-power-nrg-digitalkap-041916 Haiti is continuing to electrify villages with help. Today (April 19) NRG Energy’s philanthropic arm, NRG Global Giving, partnered with Haitian solar company DigitalKap to install rooftop solar panels at two Haitian non-profits. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mpower-launches-personal-solar-generators-041816 Startup mPower has launched a new Indiegogo campaign for its line of mobile solar power generators. The company’s campaign is aimed at giving people a chance to buy a solar generator and to send another generator to a family in a developing nation. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gunshot-initiative-launches-orange-button-initiative-041516 The Energy Department’s SunShot Initiative has launched a new, $4 million effort to increase access to solar data to help increase solar market transparency and fair pricing. The department has awarded four organizations to establish data standards for Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/companies-partner-atlantic-kerfless-silicon-solar-041416 Two companies partnered across the Atlantic to create highly efficient silicon solar cells made with kerfless wafers. Together Belgium's imec and California's Crystal Solar have created a 22.5 percent efficient photovoltaic solar cell. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sce-tops-sepa-top-10-solar-utility-rankings-041316 Fully 330 utilities across the U.S. responded to the Smart Electric Power Alliance’s (SEPA’s) annual market survey. The 2015 survey found that respondents added 6.4 gigawatts of solar power. Southern California Edison installed almost 20%. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/binghamton_U_bio-solar_cell_device_041216 These days there’s a lot of talk about organic solar power. Usually this means something like a using a small organic molecule polymer to convert sunlight into electricity. New York’s Binghamton University developed a biological solar cell using bacte Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sbungevity_rec_solar_partner_commercial_solar_options_041116 Last week Sungevity and REC Solar partnered to expand access to the commercial solar power market, a market that remains underserved as other solar markets, residential and utility-scale have flourished. Both will share share appropriate sales leads. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_sector_corporate_funding_drop_q1_2016_040816 The first quarter of 2016 saw $2.8 billion in corporate funding, that’s according to a new report from the Mercom Capital Group. It found that the amount of corporate funding for the first quarter of 2016 was lower than the same quarter of 2015. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachuetts_legislators_resolve_solar_net-metering_040716 The solar market in Massachusetts was thriving until it hit a roadblock—itself. It began hitting caps for net-metering and renewable energy credits for solar power, and there wasn’t a plan clear plan forward from there. Now there is. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/15_cities_achieve_solar_star_status_040616 Fully 15 cities now have achieved “Solar Star” status with more than 50 watts of solar power installed per person. That’s just one finding from Environment America’s “Shining Cities 2016” report. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/silicon_ranch_first_solar_partner_solar_southeast_040516 Solar power is growing in more places across the U.S., including the southeast in places like Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. A newly strengthened partnership between First Solar and Silicon Ranch, which operates in the region, is a great example. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower_equinox_home_solar_system_040416 Last month SunPower introduced its new Equinox solar array for homeowners, which is designed to provide more power for homeowners with less visible parts. The new product line is intended to help make solar power look less intrusive on homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/support_obamas_clean_power_plan_040116 Following the Supreme Court’s actions temporarily blocking the Clean Power Plan supporters from across the country are speaking out in defense of it. This week more than 50 city and county governments, and leading companies. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean_energy_tops_new_electric_generation_eia_033116 Of all the new electric generation installed in the U.S. the largest source was wind power, which saw 8.1 gigawatts of new installations in 2015—41 percent of all new electric generation. The data also showed that 5.1 gigawatts of solar was installed. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/global_solar_researchers_gather_terawatt_workshop_033016 Scientists convened for the first meeting of the Global Alliance of Solar Energy Research Institutes (GA-SERI). The meeting of 50 leading international experts discussed GA-SERI discussed reaching 3 terawatts of solar power by 2030 and 20 TWs by 2040. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/iowa_co-op_build_5mw_solar_farms_032916 While some states have gigawatts of solar power installed, some don’t. Case in point, Iowa. The Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) and its member cooperatives just announced that they will build a total of 5.5 megawatts of new solar farms. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_securities_here_marathon_capital_report-032816 Marathon Capital updated its white paper on solar securitization claiming that the age of solar securitization has arrived. The financing company observed, among other things that already in 2016 more than $235 million in rooftop solar securities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/researchers_recycle_photons_solar_cells_032516 As researchers seek the new, next best thing in solar power, they’re exploring new materials and new ways to capture the sun’s energy. Case in point perovskite crystals and recycling light. That’s what new research recently published by Cambridge. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_rooftops_40_percent_energy_needs_nrel_032416 The U.S. could generate nearly 40 percent of its electrical sales via its rooftops according the latest analysis from the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). That’s almost double its previous analysis! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/south_carolina_utility_community_solar_rooftop_solar_032316 South Carolina’s Santee Cooper utility celebrated the start of spring with its approval of what will be South Carolina’s first community solar project at the same time as it renewed rebates for rooftop solar projects. Both programs begin on April 1. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint_solar_200m_following_sunedison_failure_032216 Just earlier this month the future looked bleak for Vivint Solar, which ended its flailing merger agreement with SunEdison citing breach of contract. Now the company is seeing the sun with a new, $200 million funding round to build more solar rooftops. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts_representatives_urge_pro-solar_legislation_032116 Massachusetts is in a solar conundrum. The state’s solar policies have been successful, very successful. They’ve created over 10 thousand jobs but they’re already set to sunset. Now the state House is pushing for a better solar bill. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/national_solar_nonprofits_low-income_solar_guide_031816 Earlier this week the Center for Social Inclusion, GRID Alternatives and Vote Solar introduced the Low-Income Solar Policy Guide. The new guide is an online tool designed to expand access to solar power and solar jobs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/irena_report_renewable_energy_doubling_save_trillions_031716 A new report out from the IRENA, REmap: Roadmap for a Renewable Energy Future, shows that doubling the use of renewable energy like solar power throughout the world over the next 15 years will save trillions thanks to avoided costs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_decathlon_denver_2017_first_cash_prize_031616 The Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon is coming Denver! The biennial event began in Washington, D.C. and since moved to California. Now the world’s first solar decathlon series of events will make Denver's Pena Station its home in 2017. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new_partnership_to_increase_access_low-income_families_031516 A new partnership between PosiGen, NewWorld Capital Group, and Constellation Technology Ventures aims to offer fully financed solar and energy efficiency services to low- to- moderate income homeowners in Louisiana, New York, Connecticut and Florida. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nasa_four_solar_technologies_future_031416 NASA has selected four proposals to develop game-changing solar array technologies for space exploration. Don’t expect the newest technologies being tested and promoted by NASA to end up on rooftops anytime soon, but they're still important. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/oregon_passes_50_percent_reenwables_end_coal_use_031116 Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed a sweeping new renewable portfolio standard into law requiring the state to source 50 percent of its electric generation from renewable energy like wind and solar and end its use of coal-fired power—completely! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/patpagonia_leads_home_solar_fund_35m_031016 Patagonia comes out of the cold and gets into rooftop solar—again. Today Patagonia announced that it and Kina’ole Capital Partners have partnered to lead the creation of a new, $35 million fund to support rooftop solar installations in a number of sta Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_will_install_16_gws_solar_2016_030916 Last year the U.S. installed 7.3 gigawatts of solar power, raising the total to 27.4 gigawatts of operating solar power throughout the country by the end of 2015. Impressive, until you hear that the US is expected to install 16 gigawatts of solar in 2016. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/whole_foods_200_solar_arrays_nrg_solarcity_030816 Whole Foods Markets announced that it will install up to 184 solar arrays on its stores across the U.S. under partnerships with NRG and SolarCity. The new agreements will reaffirm the premium grocery company’s position as a leader in clean energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/grid_alternatives_solar_spring_break_2016_030716 While many college students are celebrating spring break on beaches or visiting their folks or doing some amazing, fun things Grid Alternatives is hosting its spring break program, installing solar power on 17 low-income houses in Colorado and California. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/off-grid_solar_industry_growing_developing_nations_030416 The off-grid solar power market is growing and will become a $3.1 billion opportunity by 2020. That’s from essentially a non-existent market less than a decade ago. The report recognizes that there are still 1.2 billion people across the world without a Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/avanced_energy_rakes_200b_us_2015_revenue_030316 That’s according to the latest annual Advanced Energy Now 2016 Market Report from Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and Navigant Research. But some beer companies are also producing energy from their waste gasses so maybe it’s a fitting comparison after a Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/white_house_highlights_recovery_act_impacts_solar_clean_energy_030216 One of Obama's first acts was to create and pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a sweeping piece of legislation signed into law that helped right the U.S. economy. In doing so, he committed more than $90 billion to renewable and clean energy! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_will_lead_us_energy_growth_2016_030116 The U.S. is expected to install 26 gigawatts of new electric generation in the U.S.—the majority of it, 16.3 gigawatts, will come from renewable energy and the majority of that, 9.5 gigawatts, will come from solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/it_develops_bubble-ready_solar_cells_022916 One of the quests in solar power is to make solar cells that can be placed ubiquitously, in windows, in paint, in shirts, on smartphones—the list goes on. Now MIT might have produced the thinnest, most flexible solar cell ever. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado_community_solar_groups_settle_xcel_solar_gardens_022616 Xcel Energy and community solar power developers reached an agreement that will allow them to add up to 60 megawatts of community solar in the state throughout 2016. The agreement means more of Colorado’s residents and businesses will have access to sol Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/46_states_rooftop_solar_policy_action_2015_022516 It’s not all good and it’s not all bad. But states are taking action on solar power policies, particularly on net-metering and fixed charges. That’s according to a new report out from the The NC Clean Energy Technology Center. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_reserve_crescent_dunes_24-7_solar_power_022416 Last year SolarReserve quietly brought its Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project online for testing. Now the 110 megawatt facility is expected to reach its full annual production this year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sun power_first_solar_set_solar_efficiency_records_022316 The U.S.’s leading solar companies posted two separate solar energy efficiency records in the past two days. First Solar has produced 22.1 percent efficient thin-film solar cells while SunPower is selling 22.8 percent efficient solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_installations_surpass_natural_gas_2015_022216 The U.S. installed 7.3 gigawatts of solar power in 2015, a record. In all the U.S. now has 25 gigawatts of solar power online. It also marked the first time that more solar power was installed in the country than natural gas electric generation. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple_issues_green_bond_solar_renewable_energy_021816 This week Apple Inc. issued $1.5 billion in green bonds as part of a larger bond issuance. The green bonds will support Apple’s use of renewable energy like solar power. It’s said to be the largest green bond issuance to date. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/intel_unveils_largest_solar_carport_021816 Earlier this week Intel Corp. unveiled a 6.5 megawatt carport at its Folsom, Calif. campus. The carport covers 3,000 spaces—which, could be more than enough parking spaces for the 6,000 employees at the campus. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new_report_superstore_solar_62gw_solar_021716 Environment America introduced a new report “Solar On Superstores” showing the vast potential of covering the more than 102,000 box stores and their supporting infrastructure in the U.S. with solar panels. That's the equivalent of 62.3 GWs of solar po Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada_utility_commission_votes_against_solar_021616 Rooftop solar power in Nevada is off to an acrimonious start in 2016. The PUC made things slightly better on Friday when it voted to reduce net-metering rates and increase solar rooftop fees over a 12 year period rather than 4 years. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/supreme_court_delays_clean_power_plan_021216 President Obama enacted regulations to reduce the U.S.’s dependence on fossil fuels and to move the country to clean energy like solar power. Now the U.S. Supreme Court has issued a stay against implementation sending the case back to the appeals court. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/20_states_reached_rooftop_solar_parity_021116 GTM Research introduced U.S. Residential Solar Economic Outlook its latest report on rooftop solar power in the U.S. The newest report found that rooftop solar is at this point at pretty with other electric sources in 20 states—from California to Missou Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_leasing_easier_seia_form_021016 Choosing a financing mechanism for a solar array can seem complicated but new tools are coming out to help people understand more about their options. For example the SEIA introduced a short Residential Lease Disclosure Form, which could be a standard. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy_department_invests_21_million_reducing_costs_020916 The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it is investing $21 million to further reduce the costs of solar. The department is investing $13 million in states’ efforts to reduce the soft costs of solar power. It’s investing another $8 million in so Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california_leads_us_solar_020816 The U.S. EIA keeps tabs on how much solar is installed across the nation and where it’s installed. In the most recent update it noted that California has 9,976 megawatts of solar power installed, nearly half of all solar in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/super_bowl_50_solar-powered_spectacular_020516 This year isn’t just the golden anniversary of the Super Bowl, its 50th, it’s also going to be a solar, energy efficient spectacular. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, is the first LEED Gold NFL stadium. That’s thanks to its 375 kilowatts of sola Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/senators_propose_bill_net-metering_customers_020416 Earlier this week Sens. Angus King (I-Maine) and Harry Reid (D-Nev.) proposed an amendment to the Senate Energy Bill that would protect net-metered customers with solar power. The amendment would protect such consumers from rate hikes on a federal lever. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pge_solar_choice_offering_customers_020316 It’s not rooftop solar, it’s not community solar but now customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) can go 100 percent solar through PG&E’s Solar Choice program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report_predicts_15_gigawatts_solar_us_2016_020216 The predictions for the U.S. solar market keep coming in. The late 2015 extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for multiple years impacted many analysts’ expectations for 2016 and beyond. Now IHS anticipates that the U.S. will install 15 gigawatts Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nearly_20_percent_cusotmers_hawaiis_biggest_utility_solar_020216 Last week it came to light that fully 17 percent of Hawaiian Electric Co.'s (HECO's) customers have installed solar power. That penetration of distributed solar power is a record for any state or utility in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california_commission_upholds_net-metering_012916 The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted to uphold net metering throughout the state. It’s the latest victory for rooftop solar and net metering. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seven_steps_solar_power_012816 New international research at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory was able to create highly efficient silicon solar cells in only seven steps. By simplifying the steps to make solar cells it can help reduce solar power costs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/freeing__the_grid_best_worst_states_rooftop_solar_012716 Vote Solar and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) released their Freeing the Grid 2015 report card rating the states on net metering and interconnection standards. Policies are getting better in most states, though a few are not doing as well. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/greening_grid_lower_costs_emissions_noaa_boulder_012616 A new report showed that the U.S. can increase renewable energy production, reduce carbon emissions by up to 78 percent below 1990’s levels in 2030 and keep electric costs at where they’re at. The magic bullet, an interstate electron system. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/59gws_soalr_installed_2015_64gws_2016_012516 New, preliminary research from GTM Research found that fully 59 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic power was installed across the world in 2015. That’s a 34 percent increase over 2014 and 2016 is expected to be even bigger. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/governor_group_embraces_solar_power_012216 Renewable energy just got another boost. Yesterday (Jan. 22) the Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition voted to rebrand as the the Governors’ Wind & Solar Energy Coalition, showing the increased importance of solar power to the nation’s energy grid. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke_energy_touts_solar_installations_north_carolina_2015_012116 Last year Duke Energy added 300 megawatts of solar power in North Carolina. The company plans to keep adding more solar in 2016. It’s already announced 75 new megawatts of solar for 2016. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy_department_invests_18m_solar_storage_012016 As solar power and wind power have come down in cost and have become more widespread technologies their impact on the grid has become more worrisome as intermittent resources and the need to balance energy on the grid. The solution, energy storage. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sce_signs_500mws_first_solar_projects_011916 Many are anticipating that First Solar will have a strong year in 2016 and with the contract announced this morning with SCE it looks like that will be the case. The utility will purchase power from four First Solar installations totaling 500 megawatts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe_expands_solar_ready_vets_011616 Earlier this month the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a further expansion of its popular Solar Ready Vets program to train veterans for jobs in the solar industry. The program was piloted in 2014 and graduated its first class from Camp Pendleton. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_trends_2016_gtm_research_011516 Solar is expected to have an amazing year in 2016 by most accounts. As photovoltaic equipment continues to experience high demand prices will fall albeit at a slower rate than originally predicted. Meanwhile solar installations will grow in more markets. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_raises_25_billion_2015_mercom_011416 The solar industry is continuing to gain steam. Last year it raised $25.3 billion, only slightly less than the $26.5 billion raised in 2014, according to a new Mercom Capital report. However, certain sectors of the solar industry set records last year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cuomo_expands_solar_goals_state_address_011316 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) delivered his state of the state and budget speech today (Jan. 13) calling for more solar power and an end to coal in the state. The state has been making significant progress in boosting solar power in the state. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_employs_more_than_oil_solar_foundation_report_011216 The solar industry in the employed 208,859 people across the U.S., according to The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census 2015, which was published today (Jan. 12).That’s more than the 187,200 people employed in the oil and gas extraction indu Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_comanpanies_pull_out_nevada_commission_decision_010716 Ironically, one of the darkest spots for solar power in the U.S. is in one of the sunniest states—Nevada. Late in 2015 the Public Utilities Commission decided to drastically cut net-metering to residential solar customers and raise fees on them. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cross_atlantic_venture_produces_dual-junction_solar_cell_record_010616 scientists at the NREL and at the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology announced a new world record for converting sunlight into electricity using a dual-junction photovoltaic cell. The new test cell reached 29.8 percent efficiency. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/big_jump_solar_67gws_2016_010616 Expect another banner year of growth from solar power across the world. At least that’s what IHS Research and the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis(IEEFA) are anticipating. IHS is anticipating 67 gigawatts of new solar in 2016. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/experts_solar_predictions_2016_010416 Every year about this time experts start offering up what to expect in the coming year—in just about everything. Solar is no exception, usually. This year the plethora of prognostications is lower. Bottom line, expect a healthier industry going forward. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/large-scale_solar_will_require_changes_mit_123115 Solar power will become a bigger part of the world’s electric supply, particularly as the world works to stem climate change. While it’s an inexhaustible, clean and renewable energy source, it will still pose challenges to the world’s electric grids Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_shoppers_finding_deals_123015 Earlier this month EnergySage introduced a new survey of solar installers. The survey found that solar installers are competing more intensely at the same time that consumers are becoming better educated and more savvy about their solar power options. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint_solar_bluewave_partner_on_community_solar_projects_massachusetts_122915 Under a new partnership announced today (Dec. 29) residential solar company Vivint Solar and solar company BlueWave are working together to sell memberships in two community solar projects in Southeastern and Central Massachusetts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/virginia_gov_sets_state_on_solar_growth_path_122815 Last week Virgina Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) announced plans for the Commonwealth of Virgina’s facilities to start increasing its use of renewable energy swiftly. In the next three years it will source 8 percent of its energy from solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mit_lead_car_batteries_solar_cells_122415 Lead is a problem, it’s highly toxic, it’s in a lot of stuff and still ends up in a landfills sometimes. One big source of lead is batteries, specifically car batteries. Thankfully lead can be used in a lot of things, like solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada_puc_acts_against_solar_homeowners_present_future_122315 There will be no reindeer prancing happily on Nevada’s solar rooftops this Christmas. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission just took action against rooftop solar in a big and disparaging way. It just reduced net-metering rate for all solar homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/top_5_policy_issues_aee_for_2015_122215 Anyone will agree it’s been an interesting year for clean energy. Prices continued to fall, incentives expired, were set to expire and most recently, some of the most important were extended just last week at the federal level. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/north_carolina_champions_solar_southeast_us_122115 The southeastern U.S., including Florida (the Sunshine State) have a great solar power resource and are underutilizing it—except in North Carolina and perhaps Georgia. That’s according to recent data from the DOE’s Energy Information Administration. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san_diego_to_become_100_percent_clean_energy_121815 Earlier this week San Diego passed a Climate Action Plan that will make the city of roughly 1.4 million people the largest city in the country to be powered entirely by renewable energy like wind and solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mit_assesses_solar_technologies_silicon_beset_now_121715 Today’s crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels could be widely deployed by mid-century to help mitigate climate change. However, new nanomaterials could make for better, more efficient and less expensive solar panels in the future. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/looking_like_renewable_christmas_after_all_121615 Congress introduced its omnibus appropriations bill, which extends tax breaks and allows the government to continue operating. In it the House and Senate extended Investment Tax Credit, which helps offset the cost of solar power materials. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_industry_hopes_holiday_cheer_itc_extension_121515 The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decided to keep net metering in the nation’s largest and most populous state, which also is the largest solar market in the country. At the same time the tax extenders may extend the solar credit. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/something_big_brewing_north_carolina_121415 Brewers in North Carolina, among them Appalachian Mountain Brewery, French Broad Brewery, Highland Brewing Company, Innovation Brewing, New Belgium Brewing and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, were awarded the Solar Champion Award by the SEIA. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_toxics_scorecard_more_participation_less_toxic_121115 The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) introduced its Sixth Annual 2015 Solar Scorecard. The annual report ranks solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers on the amount of toxic materials in their solar panels as well as their sustainability practices. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/moregan_stanley_invests_100m_ma_community_solar_121015 BlueWave Capital signed partnered with Morgan Stanley subsidiary, to co-own a community solar portfolio of more than 25 megawatts in Massachusetts. The $100 million investment from MS Solar Solutions shows that investors are looking to community solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_industry_record_breaking_2015_120915 The U.S. solar industry is preparing for its biggest quarter—ever. The third-quarter of 2015 is big, too, with the U.S. installing 1,361 megawatts of PV. The 4th quarter could see more than 3,000 megawatts of solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fossil_fuel_subsidies_outweigh_renewable_subsidies_by_40_to_1_120815 Climate Change International and the Climate Action Network just introduced new analysis that shows that leading countries are spending 40 times more subsidizing fossil fuels than they are on clean energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/global_solar_council_launches_cop21_120715 At the COP21 the solar industry announced the Global Solar Council (GSC) in an attempt to share best practices and bring the solar power industry together. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/alphabet_google_buys_842_mws_wind_solar_120315 Alphabet, formerly Google, announced that it plans to add 842 more megawatts of renewable energy in the form of wind and solar power across the world. The company said it now has 2 gigawatts of contracts for renewable energy across the world. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/eia_now_tracking_rooftop_solar_power_120315 The Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) publishes data about energy production and use in the U.S. Until now it had not included information about distributed and rooftop solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/spa_introduces_report_creating_community_solar_120215 SEPA surveyed 25 of the active community solar projects for a new report to discover how to make them more successful. It found that currently only one-third of the projects are fully subscribed. A quarter of them were less than 50 percent subscribed. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_businesses_install_907_mws_2015_120115 the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) published its fourth annual Solar Means Business report. The report looks at solar installations across businesses throughout the U.S. At this point at least 907 new megawatts of solar are powering businesses Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/global_climate_talks_begin_paris_clean_tech_fund_113015 The 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) got underway. President Barak Obama (D) was one of the early speakers at the conference, promoting national and international actions to reduce climate change. An early result of the conference Mission Innovation. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/store_solar_wind_power_ground_wind_112615 That’s what researchers from Stanford University and the University of California Berkeley are suggesting—as have others in the past. Researchers said that in an all-electric U.S. wind, water and solar power can provide all of the U.S.’s energy need Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google_dukes_first_green_source_rider_customer_112515 In 2013 Google proposed a new way to purchase renewable energy for large energy users. Apparently Duke Energy was listening. Yesterday (Nov. 24) the companies announced Google will be the first customer in its Green Source Rider program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new_york_Cuomo_ensures_50_percent_renewable_2030_112415 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) office hasn’t officially confirmed it yet but yesterday news broke that he direct the utility commission to codify requirements that half of the electricity produced in the state by 2030 must come from renewable source Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/climatescope_developing_nations_outspend_wealthiest_nations_renewables_112315 In 2014 developing nations invested $126 billion in clean energy—outpacing the investments by the wealthiest nations. That’s according to a Climatescope report, an international index that looks at clean energy development in 55 developing nations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel_report_cost_benefit_renewable_energy_112015 NREL introduced a new report showing that renewable energy is economically viable in most of the U.S. based on the rapid decline in technology costs. The new report looks at solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy to provide US's energy needs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/core_report_state_renewables_west_us_111915 Earlier this month the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) published its annual report Renewable Energy in the 50 States: Western Region. The publication looks at the state energy policies and programs, investment, and market in the western U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/white_hose_national_community_solar_Summit_grows_111715 Community Solar is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing sectors of the solar industry in the U.S. The White House made that clear with National Community Solar Summit where The White House showcased 68 partners. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower_introduces_performance_series_solar_panels_111515 SunPower is introducing a new line of solar panels called its Performance Series. The new solar panels are based on technology developed by Cogenra Solar, which SunPower purchased earlier in 2015. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report_finds_solar_adds_value_homes_six_states_111215 Whether or not solar panels actually add value to a home had been up for debate for a long time. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) has dispelled this in numerous reports, previously in just California, and now in six different states. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/veterans_day_solar_jobs_training_111115 U.S. veterans are finding jobs in the solar industry thanks to some innovative training programs like the DOE’s Solar Ready Vets Program. Other organizations like GRID Alternatives are also training vets. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2016_solar_boom_2017_may_bust_110915 IHS anticipates that solar photovoltaic sales will grow strongly through the first half of 2016 growing to 65.5 gigawatts of new solar power world wide. But the incentives that have helped fuel its growth will subside in 2017, which could slow growth. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama_rejects_keystone_nods_to_clean_energy_110615 President Obama made a largely symbolic gesture when he rejected the Keystone XL pipeline, after all the project didn’t make sense anymore. It’s a first for a U.S. President, rejecting such a large, fossil fuel project. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community_solar_two_washingtons_110315 Community solar is gaining popularity across the U.S. A case of the two Washingtons shows it. Tacoma Power in Washington state last month announced its first community solar garden. In the Capitol a GWU professor explained community solar's benefits. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/oregon_state_univeristy_solar_thermal_storage_110305 Today (Nov. 3) Oregon State University (OSU) announced that its engineers have identified a new way to store the energy produced by the sun. The engineers involved in the project said that the approach can help reduce the cost of energy storage. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wisconsin_judge_bans_charges_solar_cutsomers_11-02-15 In another victory for the regional solar industry Wisconsin’ Dane County Circuit Court Judge Peter Anderson on Friday (Oct. 30) struck down charges that We Energies, a Wisconsin utility, wanted impose on solar users. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/austin_energy_first_solar_agreement_102915 Austin Energy is quickly establishing itself as one of Texas’ most forward thinking utilities and one of its most price-savvy ones, too. Today (Oct. 29) First Solar announced that it signed a 15 agreement with the utility for a 119 MW solar farm's energ Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/need_costume_ideas_think_solar The range of Halloween costumes is vast, and everyone once in a while you get caught off-gaurd by the holiday and don’t have a costume idea ready. If that’s you this year, don’t worry, the Department of Energy has got you covered—with solar or win Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_clean_energy_advocates_air_campaigns_102715 A day before Republican presidential candidates debate in Boulder, Colo. two separate organizations, NextGen Climate (NGC) and TUSK (Tell Utilities Solar won’t be Killed) have launched new advertising campaigns supporting solar and clean energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower_helix_modular_system_commercial_solar_102615 SunPower unveiled its new Helix modular solar system, a system that that’s designed with commercial customers in mind and that takes a page from SunPower’s utility-scale Oasis modular plants. The new system shows growing interest in the commercial mar Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/epa_publish_clean_power_plan_states_sue_102315 Today (Oct. 23) the Environmental Protection Agency published President Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan in the Federal Register making its rules to reduce carbon emissions effective. The plan has its supporters and detractors. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida_supreme_court_allows_solar_amendment_102215 The Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing the Solar Choice Amendment to appear on the state ballot in 2016. The ballot choice will allow voters in the state to make an important decision and choice as to whether they can install solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama_gets_81_companies_Signed_climate_action_pledge_102015 President Barak Obama announced that 81 of the U.S.’s leading companies have signed onto the American Business Act on Climate pledge. The companies from Alcoa to GE, GM, International Paper, McDonald’s, Xerox and a host of other companies. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sevens_wins_solar_decathlon_2015_101915 Assistant Secretary of Energy Dr. David Danielson announced that the team from the Stevens Institute of Technology won the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon in 2015, earning 950.685 points out of 1,000. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/1366_technologies_announces_solar_wafer_plant_new_york_101515 Last week 1366 Technologies announced that it will build a commercial solar wafer manufacturing facility in Genesee County New York between Buffalo and Rochester. The project represents a $700 million investment in the region and will create 1,000 jobs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/residential_solar_costs_keep_dropping_101415 A new report shows that the cost of rooftop solar power continues to fall. Between July 2014 and June 2015 the cost of residential solar power fell from $3.86 per watt in 2014 to $3.79 per watt in 2015. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new_california_poll_big_support_for_solar_101415 Today (Oct. 14) the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA) and Brightline Defense announced the results of a new poll showing 92 percent of Californians support rooftop solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rec_first_solar_partner_community_solar_101315 First Solar and Clean Energy Collective (CEC) announced a new partnership today under which First Solar will supply Clean Energy Collective with its solar panels for community solar gardens across the U.S. Already the companies have four projects planned. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cuomo_pledges_reduce_emissions_add_solar_100915 This week former Vice President Al Gore joined with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to sign the Under 2 MOU, a directive aimed at keeping climate change to a 2 degree Celsius rise in temperatures. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_decathlon_2015_opens_100815 The biennial Solar Decathlon opened up to the public at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif. The competition challenges college teams from around the world to build solar-powered homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewable_energy_making_fossil_fuel_expensive_100715 A new report out from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) found that the costs of wind and solar power have continued to go down while the costs of gas-fired and coal-fired electric generation have gone up! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/commercial_buildings_northeast_95gw_potential_100515 Wiser Capital in California recently undertook a study looking at commercial buildings in the northeast and it found that the opportunity is gigantic, 95 gigawatts of solar panels could be installed on commercial rooftops in the region. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/austin_energy_signs_for_300_mws_solar_record_low_cost_100515 Austin’s utility, Austin Energy, approved a plan that would invest $33 million in 300 megawatts of solar projects to supply energy needs for its customers. The cost of the projects will be roughly 3.8 cents per kilowatt hour—the lowest seen in Texas Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity_promises_most_efficient_solar_panels_100215 SolarCity introduced its newest product, solar panels. The company said its new solar panels, which will be made in the U.S. are the most efficient panels for the rooftop market at over 22 percent module efficiency. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_energy_falls_5_cents_per_kilowatthour_093015 An increasing body of evidence shows that utilities are signing deals with solar project developers for an average 5 cents per kilowatt-hour. This puts solar power within the realm of parity, which was between 3 and 6 cents per kilowatt hour in 2014. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ps_gives_up_on_high_solar_service_charges_092915 Arizona Public Service (APS) announced that it planned to forgo its previously planned “cost of service” charge implementation for its customers with solar power installations. Under the planned charge residents with new solar arrays $21 a month. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/north_carolina_passes_1_gw_solar_092515 When people think of big states for solar power, they think of states like California, Arizona, Colorado and Nevada. They probably don’t think of leafy, green North Carolina, but they should reconsider. The state recently surpassed 1 gigawatt of solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaiian_utility_solarcity_large_solar_arrray_battery_092415 SolarCity wants to prove solar power with battery backups can provide effective, cost-efficient energy for the grid. Earlier this month it signed multiple contracts for energy storage systems, but the Kauaʻi Island project is the most ambitious yet. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california_solar_alliance_aim_solar-24_hours_092315 The Northern and Central California SunShot Alliance said they are looking into how solar power could be installed and connected to the grid on rooftops within a day. That would be quite a step up in reducing the two months it takes to go solar now. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/democrats_introduce_clean_energy_legislation_092215 Today (Sept. 22) Senate Democrats introduced a new bill to the Senate Finance Committee that would reduce emissions from energy generation in the U.S., reduce subsidies to fossil fuel companies and incentivize renewable energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/yeloha_partners_green_mountain_power_092115 Vermont’s Green Mountain Power has partnered with Yeloha, a solar company that touts itself as a peer-to-peer solar sharing network. Under the agreement Yeloha and Green Mountain will offer Yeloha’s solar sharing services. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/biden_does_102m_solar_investment_091715 The Department of Energy announced that it would support solar power with a $102 million investment in projects and technologies. Vice President Joe Biden introduced the new funds for solar and clean energy at Solar Power International. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy_department_report_clean_energy_091615 Today (Sept. 16) the Energy Department released its second Quadrennial Technology Review. The review explores where clean energy technologies are and identifies research opportunities for more clean energy like solar and wind. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bloomberg_solar_growth_continues_if_itc_extended_091515 Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) introduced a new report that anticipates the U.S. will see substantially more solar installations—and jobs—if the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is exten Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/chinese_solar_panel_maker_seraphim_plant_mississippi_091415 Seraphim Solar, a Chinese solar panel manufacturer announced that it plans to build a new manufacturing plant Seraphim Solar Manufacturing USA in Jackson, Miss. The new plant, when completed is expected to produce 300 megawatts of PV panels annually. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/north_carolina_ready_solar_power_091115 Legislators teamed up with conservation organization Environment North Carolina to support solar power policies in the state as legislators come back from the summer recess in the state. They touted North Carolina’s position as 4th biggest solar state. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_surpassses_22_gws_solar_2015_090915 There now more than 22.7 gigawatts of solar photovoltaics installed across the U.S. That’s according to the latest U.S. Solar Market Insight Report by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/aspen_third_city_100_percent_renewable_energy_powered_090815 Aspen revealed that it is now 100 powered by renewable energy. In making the announcement the city became the third in the U.S. to do so. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report_top_solar_states_2014_strong_solar_policies_090415 In its most recent annual report on solar growth in states Environment America found a number of important new developments. Among them: in California, Hawaii, and Arizona solar now generates more than 5 percent of total electricity consumption. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/weareteamsolar_campaign_extend_itc_090315 The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) has launched a new site, WeAreTeamSolar.com, to support an extension of the Investment Tax Credit for solar installations as part of upcoming tax extenders’ legislation. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/irs_allows_community_solar_itc_090215 In a Private Letter Ruling, IRS ruled that community-solar buyers can take advantage of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC allows solar owners to receive a 30 percent tax credit for the solar panels and related equipment that they’ve purchased. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/michigan_implement_clean_power_plan_090115 Obama announced his Clean Power Plan this summer meaning many states will have to start getting energy from cleaner sources. oday (Sept.1) Michigan, home of motor city, announced that it will develop its own State Carbon Implementation Plan. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tasc_call_out_california_utilities_anti-solar_positions_083115 the Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) launched a statewide campaign in California, calling on California utilities to explain why they’ve taken anti-solar—particularly anti-rooftop solar—stances. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2015_continues_record_year_solar_082815 The Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration latest monthly report shows that in June 2015 utility-scale solar generation produced 2,765 gigawatt hours of electric generation. A record for the fastest-growing source of new energy in the Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado_puc_upholds_solar_net-metering_082715 Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) decided to keep the state’s net-metering policy as it is. As solar power has become an increasingly less expensive and more popular option across the U.S., utilities have come to see it as a threat. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado_group_purchasing_nissan_leaf_ev_082615 Vote Solar and its partners announced a new program in Colorado’s front range, which allows homeowners in Denver, Boulder and Adams Counties access to discounted solar arrays and Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicles. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/it_companies_use_clean_energy_growing_082515 A National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that more than 100 information and communication technology (ICT) companies are sourcing 14 percent of their electricity from renewable energy and by 2020 they could get up to 48 percent from renewables. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama_expands_renewable_energy_support_082415 Today President Obama (D) is traveling to Las Vegas to make remarks about expanding renewable energy and energy efficiency programs including $1 billion in additional loan guarantees to support distributed solar and residential PACE financing. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/right_time_install_solar_power_081415 Solar is hot, particularly in hot markets like California. But solar actually compares very favorably to a range of investments homeowners can make—outpacing even the stock market's average payback of 7 percent—with an up to 16 percent return on inves Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop_solar_fell_20_percent_2014_081315 The cost of rooftop solar fell by up to 20 percent in 2014 in the U.S., according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s annual “Tracking the Sun” report. The report found that on average the costs for rooftop solar fell 40 cents per watt. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/christie_expands_net-metering_new_jersey_081115 New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican seeking the Presidency, signed into law with little fanfare S-2420, which expands the state’s net-metering capacity threshold to 2.9 percent of total annual kilowatt-hours sold in state. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mass_gov_files_net-metering_bill_081015 Last week Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) introduced a bill to raise the net metering cap in Massachusetts. The solar industry, which had thrived in the state until caps started being reached, responded to the governor's action with enthusiasm. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pge_proposes_cuts_rooftop_solar_080515 PG&E proposed cutting its rooftop solar program in an effort to keep it viable. Despite having the most rooftop solar power in the country, the utility now is trying to pare how much it reimburses new rooftop solar owners through a new proposal with CPUC Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/whie_house_clean_power_plan_080315 President Obama unveiled his Clean Power Plan, an ambitious plan to reduce the U.S.’s emissions and drastically increase the use of renewable energy throughout the country. The plan was heralded by those who support clean energy and health organizations Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_drones_take_off_073115 Two different solar-powered drones are making the news this week. In Switzerland a 5 meter wide drone has just completed an 81-hour (3 days and 9 hours) long, unmanned flight powered only by the sun. Meanwhile Facebook announced the Aquila Web drone proje Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cuomo_solar_power_new_york_ski_slopes_073015 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced New York State’s state-operated ski resorts at Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface Mountain will use solar power to run their ski lift and snowmaking operations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg_community_solar_project_massachusetts_072915 NRG Energy, one of the most aggressive power companies in solar power is now entering the newest consumer-facing side of the solar industry, community solar power. The company announced this week that it completed its first community solar garden. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clinton_unveils_plan_700m_solar_panels_072715 In Iowa as the 2016 campaign season warms up Clinton introduced the outlines of an ambitious energy plan that would get the U.S. to 33 percent renewable energy by 2020 by in part installing 700 million more solar panels across the US. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pge_invests_1m_habitat_humanity_072415 Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that is investing $1 million in solar power to be installed at Habitat for Humanity facilities across its service area. Under the agreement the utility will install solar power at 79 homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/take_solar_power_anywhere_sunport_072315 This is something a little different. The SunPort is set to launch a kickstarter next week. You’ve heard about rooftop solar and you’ve hopefully heard about community solar but the SunPort is a nifty device that lets you buy solar power anywhere! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunrun_prepares_309m_ipo_yankees_072315 Sunrun and the New York Yankees announced a new partnership under which Yankees fans will have greater access to solar energy at lower than utility rates. The new deal comes even as the company plans its initial public offering of up to $309 million. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report_finds_utilities_slow_up_rooftop_solar_072215 A new study by EQ Research found that between 2013 and 2014 the amount of time it took 34 leading utilities to allow customers with rooftop solar installations to start producing their own electricity went up by 5 days. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedisont_terraform_power_acquires_vivint_solar_072015 Today SunEdison and its TerraForm Power YieldCo subsidiary announced plans to acquire Vivint Solar in a $2.2 billion deal. The deal will help SunEdison become one of the biggest—not just renewable energy companies—but one of the biggest energy compani Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nist_naval_research_test_solar_cells_with_lasers_071715 The next generation of solar photovoltaics is upon us. But they have to become more effect and the best materials need to be found. That's where NIST and Naval Research Lab can speed things up with lasers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/playa_solar_2_lowest_electric_cost_proposal_2015_071615 First Solar’s proposed 100 megawatt Solar Playa 2 project for NV Energy in Nevada is the lowest-cost electric project proposal that NV Energy received this year. The bid for the project came in at 3.87 cents per kilowatt-hour lower than any other propos Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/second_solar_florida_ballot_measure_071515 Florida might be the Sunshine State, but thus far it hasn’t been as easy for homeowners in the state to go solar as it is in other states. That may change this year. As of today, there are now two measures attempting to make it to the 2016 ballot. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado_renewable_standard_deemed_constitutional_071415 Fossil fuel and free market advocates weren’t able to get rid of Colorado’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) as they’d hoped. Instead the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Colorado upheld the voter-passed mandate from 2004. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/global_solar_spending_down_slightly_071315 Overall spending on solar in the second quarter of 2015 was down to $5.9 billion, lower than the $6.4 billion in the first quarter of 2015. However, many sectors of the solar industry particularly residential and commercial solar funds saw record growth. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/glasspoint_solar_power_oman_worlds_biggest_csp_071015 GlassPoint Solar uses concentrating solar power (CSP) to help oil companies extract oil. The U.S.-based company announced a deal build a 1 gigawatt system in Oman to extract oil! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop_solar_fate_dependent_rate_structure_070914 The biggest impact on the future of rooftop solar will be electric utility rate design, according to a report out from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The report finds that how retail electric rates are structured greatly impact rooftop solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/salvage_solar_tax_credit_070815 The Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the tax credit that has allowed homeowners and businesses to deduct 30 percent of the cost of a solar array from their taxes, is set to expire at the end of 2016. However, it could be extended with your help! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/white_house_initiatives_increase_solar_access_070715 Today (July 7) the White House announced the National Community Solar Partnership and ancillary plans in an effort to make it easier for middle and low-income people in the U.S. to have access to solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_impulse_lands_hawaii_breaks_records_070315 Today (July 3) Solar Impulse continued its record-breaking journey, breaking two records for the longest solo flight in human history. The plane landed at Kalaeloa Airport in Hawaii after being airborne five consecutive days and nights, fueled only by sun Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cameron_solar_array_idead_070215 James Cameron has designed a new solar flower that’s aimed at making solar power both functional and attractive. It’s not the first time the director has taken a pro-environmental stance. After all, when he made Avatar, he used solar power to film it. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/austin_energy_solar_prices_below_electric_rates_070115 Austin Energy’s recent request for proposals (RFPs) for 600 megawatts of solar power has revealed the lowest price for solar power yet—under $40 per megawatt hour or 4 cents per kilowatt hour. That’s lower than the average wholesale price of electri Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report_finds_rooftop_solar_delivers_benefits_063015 Rooftop solar is increasingly under attack by many utilities across the U.S.new report from Environment America, Shining Rewards: The Value of Rooftop Solar Power for Consumers and Society, finds that rooftop solar is more valuable than utilities claim. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_impulse_takes_off_japan_hawaii_062915 Solar Impulse has taken off from Japan to Hawaii on its longest and most perilous journey yet. It’s the plane’s second attempt at the flight after suffering a weather-cased setback weeks ago that required fixing and waiting for a new weather window. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunrun_files_for_ipo_062615 Sunrun announced that it filed a Form S-1 for an initial public offering (IPO) of stock. The company plans to issue more than 54.8 million shares of common stock. In doing so it joins SolarCity and Vivint Solar in becoming a publicly traded solar company. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean_energy_collective_utility_tools_community_solar_062615 Community solar power is an increasingly popular choice to go solar. But there’s still a disconnect and not everyone—including utilities understand it. Clean Energy Collective introduced its Community Solar Platform to help. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google_renewable_powered_data_center_alabama_062515 This is a final kick in the pants for the coal mines that supplied the Widows Creek coal power plant in Alabama. First the coal-fired power plant was scheduled for a shutdown. Now Google announced it will resurrect it as a green-powered datacenter. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cesa_report_state_policy_impacts_clean_energy_growth_062315 The U.S. now has more than 50,000 wind turbines and 650,000 solar installations, according to according to Clean Energy Champions: The Importance of State Programs and Policies. State policy has a huge impact on the adoption of solar and wind. it found. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/first_solar_sunpower_yieldco_ipo_420m_061915 First Solar and SunPower previously announced they were joining together to form a YieldCo to provide financing for their solar projects. Today they announced the $420 million initial public offering (IPO) for their YieldCo, 8point3 Energy Partners LP. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world_nearly_60000_new_mws_solar_2015_end_061815 A new report out from Mercom Capital Group anticipates that the by the end of 2015 the world will have roughly 57.4 gigawatts (GWs) of newly installed solar power. That’s about 12.4 more gigawatts of installed solar power than the roughly 45 gigawatts o Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity_community_solar_minnesota_061715 Solar installer giant, SolarCity, is branching out from residential and commercial solar installations into community solar gardens. The company partnered with Sunrise Energy Ventures to makes its first foray into community solar in Minnesota. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/califorinia_more_than_10gws_solar_power_061615 More than 10 gigawatts of solar, 10,649 megawatts, to be precise, were operational in California as of the end of the first quarter of 2015. That’s more than 10 percent of the state’s nearly 80 gigawatts of electric generation capacity. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/first_solar_new_efficiency_level_061515 First Solar announced a new world record efficiency for cadmium-telluride solar panels. In testing at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory its full-sized advanced PV module had an 18.6 percent aperture efficiency, higher than many silicon solar panels Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia_introduces_residential_solar_guide_061215 Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) introduced its SEIA Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power. The new guide joins a host of other tools out there to help homeowners and everyone else, go solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cologne_mn_powered_by_community_solar_061115 The city of Cologne, Minn., voted last Monday to source all of the electricity to power its municipal buildings from a community solar array. The city will source its power from a SunShare solar garden being developed with Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/amazon_renewable_80mw_solar_farm_virginia_061015 Amazon will support the construction of an 80 megawatt solar farm in Accomak County, Va., the largest for the state and one of the largest solar farms in the eastern U.S. The announcement comes as Amazon has faced pressure from Greenpeace and others. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/residential_solar_drives_growth_first_quarter_060915 In the first quarter of 2015 the U.S. solar industry installed 1.3 gigawatts of solar photovoltaics, according to GTM Research and SEIA's quarterly U.S. Solar Market Insight Report. Residential solar alone added more power than natural gas! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tendril_launches_community_solar_platform_utilities_060815 Sometimes the word tendril seems to have dark overtones, but Tendril is taking a sunny disposition on community solar power. The company unveiled the Tendril Community Solar Solution to help speed deployment of community solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ikea_invests_1_billion_renewables_060515 Over the next five years Ikea will invest 600 million euros (about $667 million) in wind and solar energy by 2020. It’s foundation will invest another 400 million euros (about $444 million) in efforts to support renewable energy in poor communities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint_solar_commerical_solar_market_060415 Vivint Solar quickly grew to the second largest residential solar installer in the U.S., behind SolarCity. Now it’s looking to expand its customer base further and has announced plans to move into the commercial and industrial side of solar financing an Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/blm_approves_3_solar_farms_under_fast_track_060315 The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Department of Interior have approved the first three solar power farms on federal lands in Nevada under the BLM’s streamlined Solar Energy Zones permitting process. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/borrego_springs_powered_by_solar_microgrid_060215 A power line to California’s Borrego Springs was damaged by lightning last month. Normally they’d have to shut down power to 2,800 customers in the area the impacted area for about 10 hours to make the fix, but Borrego Springs has a solar microgrid. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_cities_could_install_5000_mws_solar_report_060115 A new report out from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) finds that the U.S. could install 5,000 megawatts—the equivalent of about 5 to 10 large power plants—on municipal property across the country. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ge_enters_solar_contracting_market_052915 The Power & Water division of General Electric is entering the solar market in the U.S. as an engineering, procurement and contractor. The company announced that it is installing a 2 megawatt PV array for President Container Group in New York. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia_power_utilities_offer_financings_rooftop_solar_052815 This July Georgia Power, the Southern Co. subsidiary that supplies almost all of the electricity in Georgia, is diving into rooftop solar power. The move comes as utilities are finding ways in which they can compete or control of distributed solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/berkeley_lab_unveiled_solar_center_chu_052715 The U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) unveiled its newest building, the Solar Energy Research Center, named Chu Hall. The new research center is named after Steven Chu, the most recent former DOE Secretary. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe_invests_32m_solar_workforce_csp_innovations_052615 The Department of Energy announced $12 million to train Americans for solar jobs. That’s in addition to $15 million it will invest in new designs for concentrating solar power systems and $5 million it is investing in data transparency. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_power_food_trucks_new_york_052215 Earlier this month MOVE Systems began to pilot 500 MRV100 solar-powered food carts in New York City to replace the gas, Diesel or propane-powered carts that people sidle up to throughout the day for anything from coffee to curry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/university_south_florida_200_kw_energy_storage_solar_052215 The University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) is testing a 200 kilowatt battery with a 100 kilowatt solar array thanks to a $1 million grant from Duke Energy Florida. The project will dive into the data to determine system effectiveness. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_tax_credit_extension_bill_enters_congress_052015 Increasingly popular solar power in the U.S. as enjoyed some support from the federal government in the form of the 30 percent Investment Tax Credit, which may expire unless new legislation is passed. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/next_10_ranking_green_innovation_greenhouse_gas_reduction_051915 To see how California’s efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy and more stack up against those of other major polluters across the world, Next 10 introduced its 2015 California Green Innovation Index, International Edition. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel_china_partner_solar_investments_051515 China and the U.S. have been working to ease sanctions and pricing issues. Now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the China PV Investment and Finance Alliance (CPVFA) partnered to help with investing in solar projects in China. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaiian_sen_hirono_introduces_clean_energy_bills_051415 Sen. Mazie Hirono (D) has introduced and or signed on to a number of solar and renewable energy bills that were introduced into the Senate this week. For instance, The Federal Energy Savings Enhancement Act would allow long-term PPAs for federal offices. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/greenpeace_report_updates_cleanest_tech_companies_051315 Greenpeace released an update to its report on the greenest tech companies. The list was led by companies including Apple, Facebook and Google. The report, “Clicking Clean: A Guide to Building the Green Internet,” celebrated the companies for their ef Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/senators_introduce_national_renewable_energy_standard_bill_051215 One of the big things that has hindered greater adoption of renewable energy in the U.S. and across the U.S. is a lack of federal policy that supports renewable energy across the country. Today (May 12) Democratic Senators introduced a bill to change that Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fresno_home_low-income_solar_Cap-and-trade_051115 California’s cap-and-trade program has about $832 million to support energy efficiency, public transit, affordable housing and other greenhouse gas-cutting programs statewide in 2015. Recently the program supported one of its first solar arrays. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_impulse_flying_from_china_hawaii_050815 The team behind Solar Impulse, the solar-powered airplane is preparing for its most perilous journey yet—a five or more day trek across the the Pacific Ocean, which will be the longest leg of the worldwide flight. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison_ppa_offering_sales_partnership_050715 SunEdison has largely focussed on the commercial and utility-scale solar market. However, more recently the solar company has been getting into the residential solar market. Now its launched a new power-purchase agreement product across seven states. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kansas_gets_largest_commercial_solar_array_ikea_050615 The flat pack giant has done it again, its help push solar into a place that isn’t known for it by installing a new array in Kansas. The company installed a 730.17 kilowatt solar array on its store in Merriam, Kans., the largest commercial array in the Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_incentives_need_change_mit_report_050515 A new report out from MIT’s MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), “The Future of Solar Energy,” found that solar energy is likely the best option to meet humanity’s energy needs in the future. But it cautions that incentive changes to realize the potenti Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mass_solar_advocates_support_task_force_net-metering_050415 The Mass Solar Coalition today (May 4) commended the work of Massachusetts’ Net Metering and Solar Task Force. The task force sent a final report to Massachusetts’ state legislature last Friday. It advocated that the state lift its net-metering caps. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevadans_support_legislators_supporting_net-metering_solar_050115 The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) released a poll conducted on its behalf by Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research, looking into how Nevadans felt about how politicians vote on solar issues. The poll comes as the state’s energy supplier reach a cap. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla_powerwall_home_energy_storage_050115 Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled Tesla Energy and the Powerwall, the poorly held secret new residential energy storage system that the company will soon offer to residents. The system will allow homeowners with solar panels to store that power for later use. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fuel_from_sun_doe_renews_funding_043015 The Department of Energy is renewing its interests in one method of creating a transportation fuel from the sunlight by renewing its support of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) with $75 million in funding. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/half_distributed_solar_could_be_community_by_2020_042815 Community solar or shared solar resources could make up nearly half of the distributed solar resources in the U.S. by 2020. That’s according to a new report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint_solar_soalredge_inverter_partner_052715 Vivint Solar has partnered with SolarEdge as its inverter supplier for its residential solar installations. SolarEdge makes inverters and power optimizers, which Vivint Solar will use in its systems across the country. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Ssolar_for_water_desalination_042415 As California suffers through another crippling drought people in the U.S. are again talking about desalinating water. Some of the folks over at MIT have just won an award for a desalinization process that uses a photovoltaic-powered system. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tesla_home_solar_battery_052315 Tesla Motors, makers of some of sleekest electric cars in the world, will announce next week its plans to introduce two new lines of batteries—one for home energy storage (read, great for tying in with a home solar system) and one for utilities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_power_earth_day_052215 Today is a chance to celebrate what what we’ve accomplished in terms of protecting our home and what we’re starting to do. The U.S. has gone from virtually zero solar panels when the first Earth Day occurred in 1970, to more than 20 gigawatt Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple_sustaniablity_report_2015_china_solar_042015 Apple introduced its annual sustainability report updating the company’s progress on its use of renewable energy, reduced water use and reduced toxins use in its equipment and more. The news comes after the company announced a 40 MW solar project in Chi Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/califorinia_solar_installations_6gw_online_041715 That’s according to figures from the California Independent System Operator (CaISO), which tracks and manages most of the Golden State’s electric grid. The organization reported yesterday that the state’s solar power plants generated 6 gigawatts of Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/parents_want_solar_powered_homes_041615 A new survey from Sungevity shows that the overwhelming majority of parents—81 percent—plans to live in a solar powered home. Moreover, it found that 88 percent of parents thought teaching their children about clean energy is important. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/federal_agencies_join_solar_ppa_rfp_041515 Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Forest Service, Department of Energy (DOE) and General Services Administration (GSA) developed the first federal partnership to purchase solar power through a power purchase agreement (PPA). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/leasing_neighbors_fuel_solar_growth_california_051415 California is the biggest state for residential solar in the country. The state has also supported residential solar with the $2.2 billion California Solar Initiative (CSI). A new study from Vanderbilt University shows other factors may be more important. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg_yieldco_invest_150_million_residential_solar_041315 NRG YieldCo will invest up to $150 million into NRG Home Solar’s Residential Solar portfolio, one of the first times a YeildCo will be used to purchase a residential solar portfolio in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_array_battery_backup_challenge_utilities_051015 The costs of batteries and solar panels are continuing to come down. That's according to a new report from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and HOMER Energy that came out this week. It's could spell bad news for traditional utilities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/utah_rio_tinto_stadium_most_power_from_solar_040915 When Rio Tinto Stadium’s solar array is completed this fall the 2 megawatt system will provide 73 percent of the Major League Soccer teams Real Salt Lake USL Real Monarchs power needs. That’s a larger share of power than any other stadium in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/polls_confirm_us_wants_more_solar_040815 Two recent polls confirm that the public wants more solar power and renewable energy. One, released by Gallup, found that solar and wind are more popular than nuclear. The other by Clean Edge and SolarCity found solar was the most popular energy source. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke_energy_introduces_plans_for_500mw_solar_florida_040615 Duke Energy is lending credence to the term “The Sunshine State” for Florida. Last week it announced a new plan to install 500 megawatts of solar power in Florida by 2024. Its parent has already made big investments in solar and wind. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama_plans_train_75000_solar_workers_040315 At Hill Air Force Base in Salt Lake City, Utah, President Obama announced a plan with the Department of Energy and community colleges across the nation to train 75,000 people to work in the solar industry, including Vet training. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/six_flags_nj_solar_coaster_040115 When people talked about the solar coaster in the past it referred to the quickly changing in prices in the solar industry. Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey just changed that by announcing a giant new solar power array that will power its rides. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind_solar_renewables_103_gigawatts_online_2014_033115 A new study from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) came out today (March 31) showing that 2014 was the best year yet for renewable energy with 103 gigawatts coming online across the world. Meanwhile investments in renewables were up 17%. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind_solar_produce_state_renewable_energy_guide_033015 Today the leading renewable energy industry advocacy groups released a handbook aimed at helping states better understand how solar and wind power can help them comply with EPA regulations. The handbook is intended to help states comply with EPA rules. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_in_la_needlessly_delayed_032715 A new study found that Los Angeles could have the largest local solar program in the country. However, the study found that there are needless delays in its solar programs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california_passes_5_percent_solar_power_032515 Who woulda thunk it. Just a few years ago solar power made up less than a percent of California’s electric generation. Now it’s up to more than 5 percent, according to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA’s) Electric Power Monthly. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mit_stanford_silicon_solar_cell_sandwhich_032415 Photovoltaic solar cells using multiple layers to absorb more sunlight is nothing new. But these are expensive devices that use rarer, expensive materials, making them too expensive for more common applications. That might be changing. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/south_carolina_solarize_2000_solar_homes_2016_032015 South Carolina hasn’t been known as a solar stronghold but with its new Solarize South Carolina program the state is changing that. It wants to put solar on 2,000 homes within the next 18 months. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama_executive_order_government_renewable_use_energy_efficiency_031915 President Barack Obama (D) signed an Executive Order requiring the federal government to increase its use of renewable energy to 30 percent and to reduce its emissions. Under the order federal agencies will reduce their emissions by 40 percent from 2025. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/target_install_solar_180_locations_2016_031715 Target's logo might be red but the company just got a lot greener thanks to a new agreement the discount retailer with Greenskies Renewable Energy unveiled on March 17. Under the newly signed agreement Target will install 180 solar arrays on its rooftops. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/march_madness_gets_solar_take_051715 GTM Research unveiled its March Madness bracket to see which state will install the most home solar in the month of March. “Last year, solar analyst Cory Honeyman filled out a bracket to predict which states would install the most solar in 2015." Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts_leads_northeast_in_new_solar_031615 Among all the states in the Northeast Massachusetts is leading the way in solar power. This small state—more than five Massachusetts’ could fit into New York by area—installed more solar power last year han any other state in the Northeast. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity_incaptial_partner_bonds_financial_031315 SolarCity made its first bonds available for investment to the public last fall. Now it’s partnered with Incapital to make its solar bonds to investors across the U.S. It’s another way SolarCity is making it easier for people to invest in solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_frontier_us_market_280mw_gestamp_pipeline_031315 Solar Frontier is the biggest manufacturer of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaics in the world but thus far the company hasn’t had a large presence in the U.S. market. That’s likely to change now. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/louisiana_solar_industry_net_metering_study_wrong_031215 Louisiana’s Public Service Commission (LPSC) recently released a net-metering (NEM) study that’s drawing the ire of the local solar industry. The study is more evidence that the next step utilities and others opposing net metering and homeowner rights Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_surpassses_20_gw_solar_7_gw_solar_2014_031015 GTM Research and SEIA announced that 6.2 gigawatts of solar photovoltaics—that’s 30 percent more than in 2013—and 767 megawatts of concentrating solar power came online in the U.S. in 2014. That brings the total to more than 20 GWs in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_impulse_launches_worldwide_solar_flight_030915 And they’re off! This morning (March 9) Solar Impulse took off on the first leg of its attempt to circumnavigate the earth in an airplane powered only by the sun. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wind_solar_impressive_gains_eia_report_030615 The Energy Information Administration Electric Power Monthly report. for December 2014. It showed that the amount of installed, utility-scale solar has more than doubled since 2013 and that wind power generated 4.4 percent of all U.S. electric in 2014. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison_acquires_solar_grid_storage_030515 SunEdison announced that it purchased Solar Grid Storage a maker of battery storage systems intended to provide back up storage for the grid as well as buffer the power from solar energy installations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy_department_7-day_solar_challenge_030515 Yesterday (March 4) the Department of Energy announced the final rules for its SunShot Prize: Race to 7-Day Solar challenge. The challenge, as implied by the name, aims to help people install solar by speeding up the process of going solar significantly. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/resiliency_solar_buzz_word_2015_030315 As solar and wind become bigger contributors to utilities’ energy generation they're talking more and more about grid resiliency. Clean Energy Group just introduced two new reports to help cities become more resilient. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arizona_utility_imposes_solar_fees_030215 Last week the board of Arizona’s Salt River Project (SRP), a nonprofit public utility, chose to impose draconian fees on customers with new solar installations—despite public protests. The utility will increase rates and impose new fees on solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google_solarcity_750m_solar_fund_022715 SolarCity announced a new, $750 million fund to support residential solar in the U.S. Included in that fund is a $300 million investment from Google. It's being called “Google and SolarCity 2.0” since Google has invested with SolarCity in the past. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/coseia_launches_solar_citisuns_022615 At COSEIA’s Conference: 2015 Solar Power Colorado: The Next 25 Years the organization introduced its new grassroots nonprofit Solar CitiSuns. The new nonprofit is aimed at engaging Coloradans in advocating for clean energy policy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_largest_solar_companies_sunpower_first_solar_yieldco_022515 Prior to SunPower's and First Solar's 2014 earnings calls on Feb. 24 the companies, the two largest vertically-integrated solar companies in the U.S., announced they are partnering to create a yieldco. It's like Ford and GM partnering on transmissions. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arzon_solar_reinvigorates_CPV_022315 The cost of silicon PV dropped significantly making CPV technology comparatively more costly. Many companies in the CPV industry disappeared shortly after launching but now Arzon Solar is planning to give it another go. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/koch_brother_fight_solar_new_report_022015 The Taxpayer Protection Alliance (TPA), a Koch brother-backed organization has issued a new report which claimed that the U.S. has given $39 billion in subsidies annually to the solar industry. It's poppycock, responded the solar industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/will_solar_be_next_shale_021915 That’s the question asked in a new outlook from Wood Mackenzie. The outlook found that solar has the potential to upend the gas and power markets throughout the world. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_power_colorado_next_25_years_solar_cosiea_021815 The theme of this year’s Solar Power Colorado 2015, the annual conference held by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA), is the next 25 years in solar. The conference will focus on ways the solar industry will change in the future. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_industry_employes_174000_US_021715 The solar industry now employs 173,807 workers across the U.S. That’s according to figures released from The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census for 2014 last week. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/camp_pendleton_trains_marines_solar_021315 Today the Department of Energy announced that the first class of marines at Camp Pendleton trained for careers in the solar industry has graduated. They’re the first class of service members trained through a pilot program to train 200 Marines in solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cesa_guide_to_solar_home_financing_options_021215 Today (Feb. 12) The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) introduced A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing: Leases, Loans and PPAs, a guide to help homeowners understand and choose the best solar financing option for their needs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/63_days_average_time_soalr_installation_021115 That’s the time, in business days that it usually takes for a home or small business to go solar from initial consultation to installed and online. That's the time the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found it takes to go solar based on over 30,000 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple_first_solar_130mws_solar_farm_021015 Apple just announced the biggest commercial solar agreement to date for a company’s use. Apple signed an $848 million power-purchase agreement with First Solar for 130 megawatts of solar from the solar company’s 280 megawatt California Flats Solar Pro Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke_energy_boosts_dstributed_solar_020914 Yesterday (Feb. 9) Duke Energy acquired a majority stake in REC Solar, which provides commercial solar energy services. Over the next several years Duke Energy also plans to invest up to $225 million in REC Solar commercial solar projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg_buys_vernego_solar_northeast_home_solar_020614 NRG Energy ecently announced its intentions to increase this trend during its annual call. Earlier this week it made good on the promise, purchasing the Northeast sales and operations Verengo Solar, which provides residential solar services. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-report-finds-strong-growth-in-solar-and-other-clean-energy-in-us The Business Council for Sustainable Energy released its Sustainable Energy in America Factbook for 2015, which was produced by Bloomberg. The factbook shows the advances that clean energy is making in the U.S.—and it’s looking pretty positive for the Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cuny_developing_power_outage_ready_solar_system_020415 Most solar photovoltaic systems are tied to the grid and the home, business or feeder line they provide power for in such a way that they must be turned off if the whole grid goes down. Otherwise they can cause harm to rescue workers, utility workers and Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_incentives_generate_revenue_washington_state_020315 That’s according to the results of a Solar Washington survey released last month. Basically the survey found that for each dollar the state invested in solar incentives offered by the state in 2013, the return was more than double the incentive. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama_proposes_permanent_solar_tax_credits_020215 In the last few weeks President Obama (D) has stepped up his efforts to fight climate change and support renewable energy like solar and wind. Now in the 2016 budget he’s proposed something the solar industry has asked for for years, permanent incentive Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe_invests_$59m_solar_innovation_013015 Yesterday (Jan. 29) the DOE offered a number of innovative projects with a total of $59 million. The funds are intended to help reduce the cost of solar and speed new technologies to market. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_super_bowl_seia_report_sports_stadiums_012915 This year the battle on the gridiron will be decided by two teams that have gone solar on their their respective stadiums. This spurred the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to attempt to dub it the “Solar Super Bowl.” Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida_fpl_invest_3_solar_power_plants_012715 Florida’s largest utility, Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) announced a plan earlier this week to invest a lot of money—$400 million—in solar power. Unfortunately it’s all focussed on utility-scale solar power and not on residential solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama_supports_india_solar_cleand_energy_012715 Yesterday (Jan. 26) President Barak Obama met with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Dehli. There they discussed, among other things, clean energy and Modi’s ambitious goals to grow the country’s solar electric capacity to 100 gigawatts by 202 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaii_utility_end_net-metering_triple_rooftop_solar_012615 Last week Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) announced its plan to triple the amount of rooftop solar in its service area on Maui, Oahu and the Big Island. At the same time however, it proposed gutting net-metering. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_trade_commission_upholds_tariffs_chinese_solar_panels_012215 Yesterday (Jan. 21) the U.S. International Trade Commission today upheld the tariffs it imposed on Chinese and Taiwanese solar panels for unfair Chinese trade practices. Some see them as good some don't. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/study_shows_solar_homes_better_price_012115 A new report out from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) “Selling Into the Sun” shows that solar arrays add value to homes. The new report takes on a serious question for homeowners interested in solar power—is solar power worth it? It Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel_2013_energy_data_strong_renewable_growth_012115 Renewable energy, including wind, solar, hydropower and biopower grew to 13 percent of all electric generation in the U.S. in 2013. That’s according to the the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_impulse_preps_for_world_trip_012015 Today (Jan. 20) the Solar Impulse team unveiled their plans for circumnavigating the globe on a 35,000 kilometer (21,748 mile) trip, a journey which they will begin at the end of March when they take off from Abu Dhabi. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg_debuts_growth_plan_solar_011615 Yesterday (Jan. 15) NRG Energy, Inc. introduced its long-term growth plan. The plan, unveiled at the company’s 2015 investor meeting, which was themed “Win Today, Win Tomorrow and Win the Future,” took a strong stance on solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_jobs_census_solar_jobs_blow_up_011514 The U.S. economy has largely recovered, but few sectors of the economy have seen the success of the solar—and it’s got the jobs to show it. Last year alone the solar industry created more than 31,000 jobs in the U.S., totaling over 173,800, that’s 2 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_roofs_beat_stock_46_us_cities_011415 Investing in solar rooftops offers a better return on investment than investing in the S&P 500 in 46 of 50 of the U.S.’ top cities. That’s the determination of a new report from the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_companies_raise_over_500m_financing_011314 Residential solar is continuing to attract more funds, showing that the residential solar industry will remain hot in 2015. Last week two of the nation’s largest home solar companies separately announced large new funds to support more residential solar Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison_adani_4b_solar_plant_india_011215 SunEdison and Adani Enterprises signed a memorandum establishing a joint venture aimed at building the largest vertically integrated solar photovoltaic manufacturing facility in India. The project will be funded with up to $4 billion. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_nearly_half_energy_spending_2014_010914 Last year the world spent more on solar than on any other energy technology. That’s according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), which found that funding for many types of clean energy grew in 2014 to $310 billion—the first time growth in the sec Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida_conservatives_push_distributed_solar_010815 Florida was one of the sour spots for solar in 2014. The Florida Public Service Commission voted to end the state’s rebates after 2015 in December. But it looks like the state might start taking advantage of its moniker “Sunshine State” moniker in 2 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_in_oil_report_010715 Solar power, with help from the solar industry, made an appearance in the annual “State of American Energy Report” from no less than the American Petroleum Institute (API). The report shows that even the oil industry is aware of solar's impacts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california_gov_wants_50_percent_renewables_2030_010615 Yesterday (Jan. 6) California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) became the first governor in California to serve 4 terms—his first two were in the 1970’s, But with ambitious propositions, including sourcing half of California’s electric needs with renewables by Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mistfit_introduces_solar-powered_activity_tracker_010514 Today at the International CES show in Las Vegas Misfit Wearables introduced the solar-powered Swarovski Shine, a smart activity tracker that doesn’t look like a miniature tv-screen on the wearer’s wrist. The device is being called the first solar-pow Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/house_reps_look_solar_leasing_010215 Over the past few months a number of Democrats and Republicans Representatives have expressed concern over solar leasing practices. Most recently 12 Republicans wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission asking it to investigate solar lease practices. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/experts_predict_great_solar_2015_123114 A number of financial experts—not just solar advocates—are already predicting that 2015 will be a great year for solar power in U.S. As solar power technologies continue to drop in price and more companies are familiar with them, it’s becoming incre Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nhl_first_sports_league_clean_energy_constellation_123014 Earlier this month the National Hockey League announced that it partnered with Constellation Energy as its energy provider with a focus on reducing energy use and embracing clean energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/2014_banner_solar_year_122914 In the waning hours of 2014 it’s time to celebrate solar power in the year. With states across the U.S. seeing major solar gains of all types from installations to new legislation and an anticipated 20 gigawatts of solar power online by the end of 2014. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean_energu_trust_challenge_1m_2015_122614 The Clean Energy Challenge, a clean tech startup accelerator program administered by the Clean Energy Trust, is growing. In 2015 the program will offer a total of $1 million in funds to more than 60 startups in the clean energy arena. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison_terraform_ends_2014_strong_122414 SunEdison’s TerraForm subsidiary is closing 2014 on a busy note. It announced yesterday (Dec. 23) that it secured $175 million to support 60 megawatts of solar projects. That follows an announcement last week of a second fund with Barclays and Citi. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sol-wind_files_po_for_yieldco_122314 Sol-Wind Renewable Power is looking for an end-of-year stocking stuffer to support it’s growth in clean energy developments like wind and solar power. The company filed an IPO (initial public offering) with the U.S. SEC today. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arizona_utilities_solar_on_homes_free_122214 Something kinda weird is happening in Arizona—utilities now want to put solar on people’s homes. This comes after years of fighting with installers and solar advocates to stop some solar policies and programs for residents. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/commerce_decision_chinese_solar_tariffs_121914 In this corner we have U.S.-based solar installers, developers and some manufacturers and in this corner we have other U.S.-based solar manufacturers—both are on different sides of the U.S. Commerce Department’s final ruling on whether Chinese compani Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_energy_storage_sunpower_sunverge_gtm_research_121814 The next great step for solar power is upon us, energy storage. Over the past half decade or so one of the biggest problems that has plagued photovoltaic solar power is the lack of ability to store the energy produced by solar panels. That's changing. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/branson_carbon_war_room_merges_rocky_mountain_institute_121714 Christmas comes a bit earlier for solar and renewable energy advocates, particularly those associated with Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Institute and Richard Branson’s Carbon War Room. The two organizations have merged. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/south_carolina_solar_victory_net-metering_121514 South Carolina is the latest solar victory in 2014, according to The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC), and overall it’s a been a good year for solar. In all, TASC says that seven states expanded their solar net metering programs in 2014. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel_report_solar_state_policies_121214 The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has just released "The Effect of State Policy Suites on the Development of Solar Markets," an NREL report that looks into how states have implemented successful solar policies. The report found that there’s no ca Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/first_solar_clean_energy_collective_partner_121014 First Solar is one of the U.S.’ largest producers of photovoltaic solar panels and while it’s building some of the largest PV farms in the U.S. and the world, hardly any of them are on homes in the U.S. Through a new partnership with Colorado’s CEC. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_solar_booms_1345mws_installed_3q-14-seia, gtm_120914 Over the past few years the amount of new solar power coming online continues to eclipse previous growth. In keeping with what will hopefully remain a tradition the U.S. again surpassed the previous third quarter record for installed solar photovoltaics. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new_york_cuomo_solarize_community_120814 Taking a cue from his neighbors New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has introduced a new statewide Solarize New York program. The new initiative, Community Solar NY, was instated under the NY-Sun initiative in an attempt to make it easier for people to go solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:33 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/china_dominates_pv_manufacturing_120514 As 2014 comes to a close as well as the third quarter earnings season companies are getting a glimpse into how solar manufactures are performing in terms of sales. Over the past few years Chinese manufacturers have dominated the scene and will continue to Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/advanced_energy_solar_employ_430k_california_120414 A new report out from the Advanced Energy Economy shows that clean energy, like solar and wind, energy efficiency and some advanced fuels are providing 431,800 jobs in California—5 percent more than in 2013. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/soitec_new_solar_pv_record_46_percent_120214 Soitec has broken the world record for PV cells once again. On Monday (Dec. 1) the company announced that its newest champion PV cell was able to convert fully 46 percent of the sun’s energy into electricity, surpassing its previously held world record. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/jackie_can_solar_better_120114 Jackie Chan might be taking on his biggest challenge yet—and he doesn’t even have to act. That’s because researchers at Northwestern University exploring how to increase the performance of solar cells by increasing light absorption. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado_utility_commission_supports_solar_112814 On and off Colorado’s been one of the best states for solar power. But it has suffered from a boom-bust solar industry cycle. Now the state's utility commission is offering more stability. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/topaz_solar_farm_worlds_largest_now_online_112714 This is big. The Topaz Solar Farm, a 550 megawatt behemoth of a photovoltaic solar farm in San Luis Obispo County, Calif., is now fully online. It’s the largest PV plant online in the world. It’s enough energy to power roughly 180,000 Californian home Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/climate_change_investment_shrink_lower_solar_costs_112614 A new report out from the Climate Policy Initiative finds that international investment in climate change reduction technologies fell in 2013 to $331 billion from $359 billion the year before. But it’s not all bad. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison_solarcity_400_solar_projects_walmart_112514 SolarCity and SunEdison signed agreements with Walmart to install up to 400 solar projects on its stores and facilities across the U.S. over the next four years. The new installations will help the world’s largest retailer become 100% renewably powered. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ascent_solar_retail_distrubution_portable_solar_112414 Today Colorado’s Ascent Solar and Navarre, a business unit of WYNIT Distribution announced a new distribution agreement for Ascent Solar, under which its EnerPlex line of products will see expanded distribution across North America. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report_finds_us_set_for_10_percent_solar_2030_112014 A new report out this week from the Environment America found that the U.S. could reach 10 percent solar power by 2030—and maybe even surpass that figure. The report used National Renewable Energy Laboratory data. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaii_hec_nrel_solarcity_solar_112014 Hawaii is the furthest state from the continental U.S. as such its power generation sources are more limited than in the rest of the U.S. As such solar is becoming a big player in the state, and now companies are coming together to make sure it works. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_manufacturers_microinverter_interest_grow_111914 The day of the solar microinverter may be at hand. In the past two weeks two solar companies in the U.S. SolarWorld and SunPower have both increased their interest in microinverters. SunPower bought SolarBridge outright while SolarWorld created a worldwid Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg_home_solar_expansion_california_111814 NRG Home Solar, the residential solar arm of NRG Energy, is expanding in California. The parent company has repeatedly illustrated its goals to be one of the most renewable energy suppliers in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sepa_launches_51st_state_solar_111714 As promised during Solar Power International this year Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has launched a new website called The 51st State designed to help reimagine the U.S.’s energy infrastructure as a more solar-freindly system. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/navy_installing_solar_6000_homes_California_111414 Under a new agreement with SolarCity and Lincoln Military Housing Navy and Marine residences in the San Diego region could see 20 megawatts of solar installed on their roofs. The agreement is part of SolarCIty’s SolarStrong Initiative. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/does_solar_clean_energy_loans_successful_111314 The Department of Energy’s loan program for new solar and clean energy technologies is proving more successful than ever imagined. The DOE has loaned $34.2 billion under the program. It has already received $810 million in interest payments! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama_china_agree_emission_reduction_111214 In a first of its kind agreement for the U.S. and China both of the world’s superpowers have agreed to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Under new agreement between the two countries, made during Obama's visit to Asia, Obama stated a new carbon goa Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/5_gigawatts_energy_storage_texas_111114 Oncor Electric Delivery Co. commissioned a study that looked into deploying energy storage for the grid in Texas. The cost of deployment could reach $2 billion but found that deploying energy storage would be beneficial for consumers and renewables. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ford_wind_solar_dealerships_111014 Ford announced that will install wind and solar-powered systems at four of its dealerships under a new pilot program with partner Wind Energy. Under the partnership the Ford dealerships in Michigan, California and New York will install the Windy System. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ex-im_bank_200m_renewable_energy_exports_110714 The U.S. Export-Import Bank said that it anticipates investing $200 million in fiscal year 2014 to support renewable energy projects—like wind and solar industry projects—using U.S. companies’ products overseas. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/elections_pose_new_challenges_opportunities_for_solar_110614 This week’s mid-term elections saw a dramatic but somewhat anticipated shift across the nation to a more conservative political nature. During campaign season many conservatives espoused support for fossil fuel projects like the Keystone pipeline. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/celebrating_califorina_solar_initiative_end_110514 Perhaps in no other market has a large solar incentive program been as successful as in California. As the program’s successive incentive offerings were fulfilled incentives were reduced until now, when almost all incentives have been exhausted. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower_160mw_solar_pv_plant_south_africa_110414 Today (Nov. 4) SunPower Corp. announced plans to build out a new a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility in Cape Town, South Africa. The new facility, which will start producing PV modules there in 2015. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sandia_tinkertoy_solar_cells_110314 Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are looking into using metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, which are likened to chemists’ tinkertoys, as part of developing a new generation of photovoltaic devices. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarworld_hire_200_expands_manufacturing_103114 SolarWorld, the stalwart PV manufacturer with a long history of manufacturing in Oregon, is expanding production to 530 megawatts and hiring 200 people in 2015. SolarWorld, which made the announcement Oct. 30, is making a dramatic resurgence. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison_terraform_buys_capital_dynamics_portfolio_103014 SunEdison’s TerraForm Made a big purchase today when it bought Capital Dynamics’ U.S. solar portfolio For $250 million. The purchase consists of 39 solar projects across the U.S., totaling 77.6 megawatts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower_3q14_earnings_102914 SunPower held its third-quarter 2014 earnings call today (Oct. 29), surpassing all its anticipated results despite a relatively soft margin. The results were enough for at least one analyst to reaffirm his outperform rating on the publicly traded company. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/future_of_solar-clear_colorful_102814 While the overwhelming majority of solar panels today are shades of black or blue, numerous companies are working to make a new generation of solar cells and modules that aren’t black. These include transparent solar panels and colored panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe_50m_solar_research_grants_102414 Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz said the federal government would support continued research into reducing the costs of solar further through more than $53 million in grants, which will support 40 solar powered research projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny_tops_solar_power_rocks_2015_list_102314 Solar Power Rocks, which tracks state solar incentives and rebates for homeowners across the U.S., released its 2015 Solar Power Rankings earlier this week. Some of the top 10 states were previously in Solar Power Rocks’ top 2014 rankings, others weren' Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/moniz_reid_speak_up_for_solar_itc_102214 Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) spoke up for solar at the Solar Power International (SPI) conference at Las Vegas calling it critical to the US and its energy future. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mosaic_partnerre_residential_solar_fund_100m_102114 Mosaic, which launched by crowd funding commercial-scale solar projects at schools and community centers is quickly moving into residential solar financing. Yesterday (Oct. 21) the company announced that it partnered with a PartnerRE affiliate. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_prices_continue_to_drop_102014 The cost of energy may be going up just about anywhere. But while that’s happening the cost of locally sourced solar power—read solar rooftops or distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems—continues to fall dramatically. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/more_than_1000_mws_solar_installed_commerical_101714 Earlier this week the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) introduced the third version of its annual Solar Means Business report finding that for the second straight more than 1, 000 megawatts of commercial was installed. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sungage_fiancial_launches_100m_solar_fund_101614 In the past most large funds that solar installers or financiers have announced have been made with banks. Now a new partnership with Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) in Massachusetts and Sungage Financial has created a new $100 million residential sola Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/patagonia_funds_solar_hawaii_101514 Outdoor gear manufacturer and environmental champion, Patagonia, announced that it’s making a $13 million tax equity investment in solar power in Hawaii. The investment is part of a $27 million fund the company created with Hawaii's Kina‘ole. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison_new_solar_pv_technologies_101414 SunEdison said today (Oct. 14) that it is announcing a new technology that will help increase the efficiency of its solar photovoltaic modules while decreasing total system cost. The company is calling the new technology zero white space (ZWS). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pew_report_north_carolina_solar_leader_101314 A new Pew Report and white paper looks at how North Carolina has become a solar leader in the Southeastern U.S. The report from the research company found that the state’s policies and institutions were the primary reason for surging growth in solar and Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wunder_7percent_annual_return_solar_101014 Yesterday (Oct. 9) Wunder, a Boulder, Col.-based company launched a new type of solar fund that makes it easier for investors to well, invest in solar power. The company promises investors a 7 percent annual return. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/green_bay_packer_tackles_for_solar_100914 Former Green Bay Packer offensive tackle Mark Tauscher signed up to tackle for solar in Wisconsin as the state’s utilities are teaming up to increase fees on all customers for and at least one that wants to reduce what it pays to solar customers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/record_year_quarter_solar_power_100714 By the end of 2014 there will be roughly 200 gigawatts of solar installed across the world. For the full year of 2014 roughly 50 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic power will come online. In the fourth quarter of 2014 19.5 gigawatts of PV will come online. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ohio_state_solar_battery_100614 Ohio State University published new research in the journal Nature Communications demonstrating a new solar battery. The solar battery is able to produce and store electricity from the sun. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/national_solar_tour_2014_100114 Everybody wants to keep up with the proverbial Jones’ and now that they’ve installed solar on their home maybe its time for you to do so, too. This weekend towns and cities across the U.S. are participating in the 19th annual National Solar Tour. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-sun_214mws_new_solar_projects_093014 On the heels of New York’s ground-breaking for SolarCity’s GigaFactory in Buffalo, N.Y., Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) last week, the governor announced new awards to support 214 megawatts of commercial-scale solar deployments of 200 kilowatts and larger. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/irs_steps_in_on_solar_net-metering-092614 The IRS is evaluating the negative tax implications of Value of Solar Tariffs (VOSTs). The issue came about because an Austin homeowner filed an Information Letter Request about VOSTs in Austin, which homeowners in the region are subject to. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity_cuomo_solar_gigafactory_092514 Earlier this week N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) broke ground on the new SolarCity GigaFactory at Riverbend in South Buffalo. The new GigaFactory will make 1 gigawatt of solar PV modules annually, using technology developed by Silevo. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san_antonio_mission_solar_pv_manufacturing_092414 Mission Solar Energy, LLC. officially opened the doors on its new, 240,000 square-foot facility in San Antonio’s Brooks City-Base. The new facility is the result of a collaboration between CPS Energy, Mission Solar Energy and OCI Solar Power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rockefeller_abandon_fossil_fuel_renewable_energy_092314 Perhaps it’s fitting that the decedents of John Rockefeller are turning away from oil and fossil fuels in favor of clean energy. When Rockefeller became the world's richest man by investing in oil, oil was cutting-edge. Today solar is cutting edge. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/little_box_challenge_inverters_nrel_092214 Earlier this year Google, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and partners announced the Little Box Challenge, an attempt to help create a much more efficient and power-dense inverter to reduce the cost and size of the inverters. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison_solar_array_landfill_mass_091914 One of the dirtiest pieces of land in the U.S., Sullivan’s Ledge, in New Bedford, Mass., is now remediated and generating solar power. That’s thanks to a 1.8 megawatt PV array installed by SunEdison and Blue Wave Capital. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/white_house_solar_actions_091824 Today (Sept. 18) the Obama Administration announced a series of steps to increase solar in the U.S. and promote energy efficiency. The new steps are partly a result of a Solar Summit the administration geld with numerous states earlier this year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sola_continues_price_drops_091714 New reports from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory find that the price of solar continues to decline across all categories but perhaps most surprisingly in the residential sector. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower_passes_1_billion_pv_cells_produced_091614 SunPower announced yesterday (Sept. 15) that it surpassed a significant milestone in photovoltaic (PV) production, manufacturing its 1 billionth solar cell. While just a number, it represents significant growth in the industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke_energy_500m_solar_projects_091514 Duke Energy announced $500 million in new solar projects and purchases totaling 278 megawatts of solar power. The investments are for large solar projects and not businesses and rooftops. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/university_california_signs_80mw_contract_091214 The University of California (UC) is making the largest purchase of solar energy by a higher education institution. Earlier this week it announced that it signed agreements to supply 206,000 megawatt-hours of solar to the grid annually. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunworks_offering_solar_energy_storage_091114 Solar3D’s SUNworks division is now offering battery storage systems to its solar power customers. It joins a growing number of solar installers that are starting to offer energy storage systems in addition to their solar installations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google_solar_project_investment_oil_gas_conversion_091914 Google has invested $145 million in SunEdison’s 82 megawatt Regulus solar project, which is being built on a 743-acre southeast of Bakersfield, Calif. The site formerly hosted up to 30 oil wells. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/scoop_celebrates_first_anniversary_rural_solar_090914 Getting solar into more people’s lives is easier where utilities are public but in places where utilities are co-operatives it hasn’t been as easy. Hence the co-ops and their partners launched solar Cooperative Community Projects (sCOOP) last year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new_york_k_solar_schools_launched_090814 Following New York’s simplification of solar incentives for residents and businesses the state unveiled a new plan last week, K-Solar, to help New York’s schools go solar. Already 40 of the state’s school districts have signed up to participate. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us_16_gigawatts_solar_installed_090514 The U.S. now has 15,900 megawatts of solar power installed. Fully 1,133 MWs of photovoltaics were installed in the second quarter of 2014. It’s the third consecutive quarter when more than 1 gigawatt of photovoltaics were installed in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cesa_solar_group_purchasing_guide_introduced_090414 Working together five New England States in the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) have produced "Planning and Implementing a Solarize Initiative: A Guide for State Program Managers” to help states developing successful solar group-purchasing programs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar_hot_water_florida_090214 Last month Florida Power and Light’s solar hot water rebate program ended with an abrupt notice, earlier than anticipated. FlaSEIA protested the cancellation, alleging that funds in the program weren’t spent and the utility took funds from the program Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hawaii_largest_utility_triple_rooftop_solar_2030_082814 The Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) plans to source 65 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and nearly triple the amount of rooftop solar it has in its network—all while reducing electric bills significantly—by 20 percent. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint_solar_files_200m_ipo_082714 As expected Vivint Solar has filed a form S-1 for its $200 million initial public offering. If approved, the IPO will allow the company to raise funds through public offering of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock ticker VSLR. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-bill-simplify-home-solar-082614 California’s Solar Permitting Efficiency Act (A.B. 2188) is awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s (D) signature. The legislation could reduce the time and costs of installing solar in California. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new_york_simplifies_solar_082514 New York is making it easier for companies and residents to go solar—and for the government to help them go solar by simplifying the state’s solar incentive programs into a statewide NY-Sun Incentive Program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/secaucus_nj_solar_skyway_082214 A company called JPods is planning to build what might be the first solar-powered personal rapid transport (PRT) network in Secaucus and the Meadowlands in New Jersey. The system will consist of a network of overhead PodCars that fit up to six people. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/michigan_see_through_solar_082114 Has Michigan State University (MSU) cracked the see-through solar debacle? Maybe. Companies and universities have been working for years to develop see-through or transparent solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ucs_home_solar_cheap_utility_2017_082014 The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) anticipates that rooftop solar power will be at parity with local retail electric prices by 2017 in more than half of the states across the U.S. This is a lot quicker than some thought we would reach this threshold. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/car_batteries_perovskite_solar_panels_081914 Car batteries, not the fancy lithium-ion batteries in today’s electric vehicles, are usually of the lead-acid variety and if improperly disposed can leach lead. One of the most promising technologies are lead-based perovskite crystals. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-companies-higher-efficiency-pv-081814 As solar manufacturers ramped up volume production over the past few years, in an attempt to compete on the lowest cost per watt, something was lost, an emphasis on research and development that was raising the efficiency of PV modules. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ford-largest-solar-michigan-081514 Through a partnership with DTE Energy Ford’s headquarters in Detroit will soon have a solar-powered carport that will cover 360 parking spaces. The solar array will also have 30 charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg-takes-solar-people-goal-zero-081414 NRG Energy is taking solar to the people, their backpacks and gadget covers with the purchase of Goal Zero, which offers personal solar products and batteries. NRG is one of the most aggressive energy companies to support solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewables-outpace-hydroelectric-081214 Today (Aug. 12) the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Administrator Adam Sieminski announced that renewable electric generation including wind, solar and biomass, has outpaced the amount of generation coming from hydropower in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/volkswagen_audi_sunpower_hybrids081114 As the Volkswagen family of automobiles enters their new hybrid and electric vehicles to the U.S. they’ve already started partnering with companies to offer a more sustainable driving experience, like home solar power and carbon sequestration. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-planning-fall-ipo-080614 Rumors are swirling that Vivint Solar, the second largest residential solar installer in theU.S., has filed for an IPO (initial public offering) that could happen as soon as fall 2014. The company has bandied about the idea since at least 2013. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ma-leg-passes-solar-bill-080114 Last night (July 31) Massachusetts’ House didn’t pass HB 4185, which would instate sweeping reforms in the state’s solar program. The legislation fell short of Gov. Duval Patrick’s hopes of overhauling the state’s solar program—at least for no Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/u-michigan-car-wins-american-solar-challenge-073114 The University of Michigan won the solar-powered vehicle. The team bested eight teams in the eight-day, 1,700 mile race from Austin to Minneapolis in their three-wheeled Quantum vehicle—it was the university’s fifth consecutive win in the biennial rac Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sec-stops-solar-farm-scheme-073014 Every great once in a while a bad apple pops up, even in the world of solar power where competition among installers and developers helps keep people honest. That’s the case yesterday when the SEC announced fraud charges against MSGI Technology Solution Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arizona-aps-energy-solar-3000-homes-072914 It’s no secret that APS Energy, Arizona’s largest utility has battled with solar installers in the state over net-metering policies. But now the utility is proposing to install solar on 3,000 homes across the state. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google-little-box-inverter-challenge-072814 Inverters are sort of the nerve-center of a solar power array. But inverters are still big and clunky. That’s why Google and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) introduced the $1 million Little Box Challenge in May. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report-utilities-clean-energy-buys-0722514 Clean Edge and Ceres introduced a first of its kind report looking at how much clean energy utilities are buying and which have bought the most clean energy like solar power and taken the most steps towards energy efficiency. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado-net-metering-rooftop-solar-xcel--comanche-072414 Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission took up the debate over the future of net-metered solar rooftops in the state. At the same time SunEdison announced that it purchased the state’s largest solar farm to date, the 156 megawatt Comanche Solar farm. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/49ers-levis-stadium-leed-gold-072314 They didn’t get 49 points out of the 51 possible LEED points, but with a respectable 41 points (5 touchdowns and 3 two-point conversions) the San Francisco 49ers' new Levi's Stadium became the first stadium to achieve LEED Gold as a new building. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/suniva-expands-solar-manufacturing-us-072214 Suniva announced that it is opening up a new photovoltaic manufacturing facility in Saginaw, Mich. Construction at the new facility is slated to begin in August and Suniva plans to start manufacturing its panels by the fourth quarter of 2014. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison-terraform-ipo-solar-projects-071814 SunEdison and its subsidiary TerraForm Power introduced their initial public offering today of more than 20 million shares at $25.00 per share. The shares will be used to repay debt and fund more solar projects. The company is trading on NASDAQ as TERP. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pv-scorecard-solar-panels-reliable-071714 A new report, the PV Module Reliability Scorecard 2014, by GTM Research and PV Evolution Labs, now DNV GL, found that PV manufacturer’s solar panels performed relatively well across all metrics. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-second-largest-energy-source-071614 The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) released its seventh annual U.S. Solar Market Trends Report which finds that, among other things, solar is an increasingly vital part of the U.S. economy. In 2013 only natural gas outpaced solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/globaldata-study-solar-leads-distributed-growth-071514 A new study by GlobalData found that solar Photovoltaics (PVs) are already leading the world in the distributed power market consisting of 48 percent of the total distributed power capacity installed last year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/wto-us-solar-tariff-china-071414 World Trade Organization (WTO) judges found today (July 14) that the United States violated global trade rules in 2012 when it implemented duties on Chinese-made solar panels. The rulings could reduce the cost of PV modules in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/iowa-supreme-court-solar-071114 The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that power purchase agreements (PPAs) do not violate state law or utilities’ monopoly status and exclusive rights to sell energy to consumers in their service areas, upholding a decision from a lower court. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nevada-net-metering-study-071014 A new study commissioned by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada found that distributed solar is having very little impact on electric prices in the state and may actually help reduce electric rate increases in the future. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/chicago-unleashes-25-percent-solar-discount-070914 Chicago really kicked off its Solar Chicago program, a partnership between the city, The Vote Solar Initiative and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The program uses group purchasing to reduce the cost of going solar by more than 25 percent. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-third-solar-farm-north-carolina-070814 Apple, which is already powering its data centers with 100 percent renewable energy, is apparently not done with green energy yet. The City of Claremont in North Carolina agreed to annex land, allowing the company to build a new, 17.5 megawatt PV farm. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-launches4b-loan-guarantee-opportunity-040714 Perhaps it got overshadowed by the holiday weekend, but on July 3 the Department of Energy introduced a new, potentially $ billion round of loan guarantees to support the development of clean energy and energy efficiency projects across the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lasers-solar-cell-research-070414 Believe it or not we don’t totally understand how solar cells work, particularly organic thin-film photovoltaics. But scientists Canada, London and Cyprus have recently used lasers to shed some light into the process to help make PV more efficient. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-fuel-research-unc-grant-070314 Earlier this week the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced that it received a $10.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences to continue its work on solar fuels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/indianapolis-motor-speedway-9-mw-solar-farm-070214 Car racing, with it’s gas-guzzling, fume spewing super cars buzzing around tracks is actually kind of beacon of environmentalism. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway for instance, just completed a 9 megawatt PV array. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/uh-oh-utilities-sunpower-kb-homes-solar-batteries-070114 This is what utilities are really afraid of. SunPower and KB Homes partnered on a pilot program to incorporate battery backups to solar-powered homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/illinois-30-million-solar-boost-063014 On Saturday (June 28) Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) signed into law H.B. 2427, which requires the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) to use up to $30 million to purchase solar power to meet the state’s energy needs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clinton-global-initiative-demeter-feed-out-solar-062714 Demeter Power Group announced that it signed a Commitment to Action at the Clinton Global Initiative to launch its Feed-Out solar funding program for small-scale solar installations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/companies-sign-trusolar-initiative-for-financing-062614 At the Clinton Global Initiative in Denver this week more than 20 companies announced they will support the adoption of the truSolar Initiative’s standards. The standards offer the solar industry a uniform risk assessment methodology. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/homeowners-options-solar-2014-beyond-062514 Today the largest part of the solar industry in the U.S. is on the residential solar side. Within the residential solar market the largest part of the market is comprised of third-party ownership (TPO) agreements. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dc-universities-hospital-go-solar-062414 Under a new partnership the 52 megawatt Capital Partners Solar Project in North Carolina will power George Washington University (GW), American University (AU) and the George Washington University Hospital (GWUH). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-bill-speed-home-solar-062314 One of the biggest issues in installing residential solar in the U.S. is the permitting process. Now the country’s biggest supporter of solar, California my be set to do something about it. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-pv-costs-may-rise-commerce-062014 A new report out from GTM Research looks into the overall effect of the U.S. Commerce Department’s (DOC) June 2 ruling imposing new tariffs on imports of Chinese PV modules. The new report finds that Chinese PV costs are likely to raise about 14%. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-buys-silevo-350M-061914 The solar industry shook with a thunderclap earlier this week when Elon Musk announced that SolarCity purchased solar PV manufacturer Silevo for $350 million. The purchase sent a shockwave through the solar industry Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-considers-net-metering-solar-061814 At a time when some other states, like Ohio, are abandoning or reducing their renewable energy goals at least one state, Massachusetts, is forging ahead. Today (June 18) the state introduced legislation that would remove the state’s net-metering cap. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-partners-admirals-061614 SunPower and Admirals Bank partnered today (June 16) on a new, $200 million loan program to support thousands of rooftop solar systems. The new partnership will allow homeowners—across the U.S.—to go solar with a SunPower PV array with a loan. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/poor-dont-bear-burden-solar-061314 Today (June 13) Forbes published a piece that falls largely among talking points supported by utilities and fossil fuel energy companies that attacks net-metering as a policy that puts a burden on poorer people. It’s basically hogwash. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mosaic-residential-solar-loans-061214 Mosaic, which made a splash in the solar industry in the past few years through its unique crowdsourcing platform for investing in commercial-scale solar projects, is stepping into the residential market with a similar approach. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wont-destroy-utilities-061114 Last week Business Insider published an article titled “How Solar Will Destroy The Power Companies, In 5 Easy Steps.” Yesterday ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel responded in a blog “Utilities are frightened of a 'death spiral.' They shouldn't b Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/midamerican-buffett-double-renewable-investment-061014 “The Oracle of Omaha”, Warren Buffett, appears ready to double his investments in the wind and solar industries. Through Berkshire Hathaway and its companies like MidAmerican Energy, Buffett has already directed $15 billion in wind and solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-report-csp-value-060914 A new report out from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) today (June 9) finds that utility-scale concentrated solar projects add up to 6 cents per kilowatt hour in value, particularly in CSP systems with energy storage. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/200gw-solar-end-of-2014-060614 Just about seven years ago less than 10 gigawatts of solar was installed worldwide. Now it’s booming with more than 150 gigawatts installed and operational, according to NPD Solarbuzz Quarterly’s latest figures. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-impulse-2-first-flight-060514 Soon the world’s skies will know another traveler—Solar Impulse 2, the first plane designed to fly across the world for days at a time using only the power of the sun. Earlier this week the plane, like a giant Estes Glider, took its first flight. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sungevity-hops-pond-europe-060414 Today Sungveity announced that it partnered with E.ON in Amsterdam to expand its business model in the Netherlands on a co-branded basis before expanding into other countries. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/commerce-imposes-tariffs-china-pv-imports-060314 Today (June 3) the U.S. Commerce Department immediately imposed countervailing duty tariffs on solar panels made in China ranging from 18.56 percent to 35.21 percent, including on PV panels made in Taiwan with Chinese parts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/epa-air-regulations-060314 It's a big “Yes!” for the environment, clean energy and, well, everyone. Yesterday (June 2) the Environmental Protection Agency announced sweeping new plans designed to reduce the amount of air pollution from coal-fired power plants. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/middle-class-drives-rooftop-solar-atlantic-053014 On the heels of the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA’s) and GTM Research’s release of the first quarter results for new solar installations across the U.S. the Center for American Progress released a report that looks at rooftop solar gro Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/home-solar-outpaces-commercial-1q-14-052914 Fully 232 megawatts of residential PV were installed in the first three months of 2014 compared to 225 megawatts of commercial solar installed in the same period. It’s the first time that’s ever happened in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ohio-turns-clean-energy-052914 With upcoming tougher federal regulations on emissions on coal and natural gas-fired power plants you’d think it might be a good time to support cleaner, alternative forms of energy like solar or wind power. But apparently that’s not the in Ohio. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-colorado-solar-farm-xcel-052814 Colorado’s Xcel Energy has said time and again that it supports solar when it makes sense. Apparently a new proposal from SunPower did. Today (May 28) the companies announced an agreement for a 50 megawatt (AC) solar farm. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/siea-report-solar-reduces-carbon-dioxide-052714 Ahead of the Environmental Protection Agency’s introduction of new air quality standards for fossil-fueled power plants on June 2 the SEIA introduced a report advocating for solar as cost-effective alternative to reduce carbon emissions. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/billionaires-battle-for-solar-052314 The Koch brothers have an awful lot of money and they don’t like clean energy, in fact they've been fighting it, hard. Now the other side’s fighting back. through NextGen Climate. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/carolinas-solar-hotspot-052214 Two things happened this week showing that California and the U.S. Southwest are no longer the only bastions for solar power and they were in the sister states of the Carolinas—states dominated by conservative politicians. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sandia-model-solar-influencer-predictive-modeling-052114 What makes people go solar? Is it the incentives, the price drops in solar, a feeling of environmental responsibility, etc.? Those are the questions that Sandia National Laboratories are trying to answer through part of the SEEDS projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-solar-to-rise-to-20gws-052014 Last July the U.S. surpassed an important threshold in installed solar photovoltaics with 10 gigawatts of PV online. That’s all good but this year is expected to blow that out of the water as the U.S. hits 20 gigawatts of installed PV. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/connecticut-pace-bonds-051914 Today (May 19) Connecticut’s Green Bank, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), announced that it and the the Clean Fund securitized $30 million of commercial solar projects sponsored through Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) tra Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-army-bases-90-mw-solar-051614 The army is going green and we’re not just talking about soldiers’ fatigues. Yesterday (May 15) Georgia Power announced that Forts Stewart, Benning and Gordon will each house roughly 30 megawatt solar power plants on to provide their power needs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/chula-vista-pace-california-051514 Chula Vista, Calif., introduced Clean Energy Chula Vista, its new PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program. The PACE program allows homeowners to finance their solar or energy retrofits through an assessment on their property. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/utilities-push-solar-taxes-051414 Utilities are pushing for taxes and fees on residential solar. It shouldn’t be a surprise since utilities are in the practice of billing customers, not crediting or paying them for energy but this a is a public admission of the practice. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rutland-community-solar-garden-nrg-green-mountain-051314 50 residents and businesses in Rutland, Vt., bought into a new, 150 kilowatt, community solar garden with no up-front costs through Green Mountain Power, the local utility. The project is among early examples of community solar gardens. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-power-finance-north-american-solar-partner-home-solar-051214 North American Solar partnered with Clean Power Finance (CPF) to add a residential solar financing option for its customers. North American Power has more than 320,000 electric and gas customers across the U.S. making it a top electric provider. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-invest-tomorrow-solar-projects-workforce-3-050914 Banks are more ready than ever to invest in solar, according to Obama. “We’ve got banks like Connecticut’s Green Bank and private banks like Goldman Sachs ready to invest billions of dollars in renewable energy,” he said. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-touts-solar-energy-use-businesses-2-050914 “Today more than 300 organizations from homebuilders to affordable housing owners to companies like Home Depot and Apple announced that they are going to expand the use of solar energy, thereby creating more jobs and cutting carbon pollution,” Obama Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-promotes-solar-energy-efficiency-1-050914 In perhaps his strongest wording to support and promote solar power, clean energy and energy efficiency since announcing the recovery act and his first State of the Union address President Barack Obama announced May 9 new steps toward solar energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/bmw-unveils-solar-carport-i3-i8-050814 BMW unveiled its newest piece of sustainable equipment, a sleek, carbon-fiber and bamboo, glass-on-glass solar canopy charger for its new i3 and i8 line of electric vehicles. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/xcel-solar-advocates-keep-solar-going-colorado-050714 Colorado’s largest utility and solar advocates including the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) have reached an agreement to ensure that Colorado homeowners and businesses can go sola Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/national-climate-assessment-dire-climate-change-040614 the U.S. Global Change Research Program released its third National Climate Assessment (NCA) report. The report is the most dire and comprehensive report in the U.S. showing that climate change is already happening and it's our fault. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lead-out-perovskite-solar-040514 Silicon PV has dominated the solar industry for decades. But there are a number of competing technologies out there that are trying to give traditional crystalline silicon-based PV a run for its money and one of the most promising is perovskite crystal. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/reliant-solar-rooftop-energy-050214 While some utilities are trying to gut their residential solar programs and focus instead on large-scale solar projects or not even going after solar at all, Houston’s Reliant Energy and its parent NRG are ramping up their offerings—and promising savi Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clouds-home-solar-oklahoma-arizona-040114 Solar power is booming across the U.S. That’s scaring the Koch brothers, whose American Legislative exchange Council supported legislation in states across the U.S. that make it harder for people to go solar in states like Oklahoma and Arizona. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/zero-energy-home-challenge-winner-042914 Zero-Energy homes are becoming part of the vernacular—finally! Such homes are designed to be highly energy efficient, needing no more energy than they can produce via solar arrays and other energy sources. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/agua-caliente-online-worlds-largest-solar-pv-042914 It’s being called the largest single photovoltaic power plant in the world and NRG Energy, Inc. and partner MidAmerican Solar said the 290 megawatt Agua Caliente Solar Photovoltaic Facility is substantially complete today (April 29). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/10-utilities-install-82-percent-solar-042814 The amount of solar installed in the U.S. and the world last year easily dwarfed previous years’ records but new data out from the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) shows that the majority of new solar installed in the U.S. was among few utilities Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison-grid-alternatives-women-solar-042514 There aren’t that many “Rosie the Riveters” on rooftops installing solar these days but that may change. Grid Alternatives and SunEdison announced earlier this year that they were partnering to help bring more women into the solar industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/denver-solar-store-solarmart-042414 SolarMart has opened its first retail solar and energy efficiency store for home and business owners in Denver. The SolarMart is part of solar contractor Colorado Energy Experts and the company announced the new store on April 23. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-installations-up-420-042314 The EIA reported that since 2010 the number of solar installations has grown 418 percent to 12,057 megawatts (1.3 percent of the nation’s energy capacity) by February 2014 from 2,326 megawatts in 2010, a nearly 10,000 megawatt gain. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google-sunpower-250m-residential-solar-042314 This morning (April 23) SunPower and Google announced that they partnered on a new, $250 million fund to finance rooftop solar arrays on homes across the U.S. While the tech giant has supported home solar installations, SunPower leads this offering. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/con-edison-solar-headquarters-042114 Atop a skyscraper in New York City utility Con Edison is using solar to power its headquarters. The company said today (April 21) that it installed a 40 kilowatt solar array using more than 200 Suniva PV modules on the 19th story of its building. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/white-house-solar-summit-041714 Yesterday the White House held a solar summit where it called on businesses and non-profits to support more solar power throughout the U.S. At the summit the President awarded members of the solar community while pushing for more solar deployment and jobs Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-community-solar-funding-041714 The Department of Energy launched its Solar Market Pathways effort to support community solar projects earlier this year, but today (April 17) the department is offering $15 million to support community solar projects across the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-systems-hannon-armstrong-100M-solar-fund-041614 Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital partnered with Sol Systems to launch a fund of up to $100 million to to support distributed solar projects. The fund will support commercial, industrial, municipal and utility-scale solar projects, accor Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cloud-based-isp-solar-war-041514 Maybe that sounds dramatic, but it’s true. Soon unmanned ariel drones will be coursing the skies with laser beams. And there’s likely an ensuing a battle in the skies, a battle of connectedness. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-energy-generates-billions-north-carolina-041414 Between 2007 and 2013 clean energy development in North Carolina has generated $4.7 billion in the state. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/la-top-city-for-solar-report-041114 With 132 megawatts of solar installed within its city limits Los Angeles is the city with the highest amount of installed solar in the U.S., according to the Environment California. It's a comparative look solar energy in major U.S. cities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-demand-50gw-2015-041014 NPD Solarbuzz now anticipates the global demand for new solar power will will exceed more than 50 gigawatts for the first time ever. IHS’ report anticipated that solar would reach 46 gigawatts in 2014, which is inline with some previous predictions. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/free-pv-new-homes-california-041014 Throughout April Meritage Homes is offering SunPower photovoltaic arrays to purchasers of yet to be built homes in certain of its California communities—for free. The companies announced the partnership April 10. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-impulse-2-unveiled-040914 The first manned solar-powered plane designed to navigate the globe solely on the power of the sun, Solar Impulse 2, is complete! The new plane was unveiled today (April 9). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/moapa-paiute-252-kw-cpv-solar-040814 The Moapa Band of Paiute continue to show their faith in the power of the sun. The tribe is building the first giant PV array on Native American land but today announced that it completed the installation of a 252 kilowatt concentrating solar array. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado-net-metering-events-xcel-040714 Colorado, one the nation’s solar hotbeds, has seen numerous attacks on net-metering and other provisions that make it easier and less costly for homeowners in the state to go solar. It faces new challenges this week as regulatory commission takes it up. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sungevity-eon-ge-ventures-investment-040414 Sungevity announced a $70 million round of new equity financing. While bigger pots of money to support companies’ expansion in the retail solar market, the new pot of cash for the company comes shortly after it partnered with Sunrun to expand services. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/national-solar-schools-consortium-launches-040314 This morning the National Solar Schools Consortium launched at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference in Boston. The goal of the newly formed organization is to put solar on roof of every school from kindergarten to college. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/greenpeace-tech-report-clean-energy-solar-040214 The near-ubiquitous cloud is changing how we do all sorts of things as people and companies transition from hosting information on their own computers and into the vast data centers across the U.S. and world. And these data centers are power hungry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/florida-utility-community-solar-pilot-040214 Florida Light & Power (FPL) announced a plan to offer customers a chance to join in a pilot community solar program. Under the pilot FPL could install up to 2.4 megawatts of solar power if the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approves the pilot. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-protects-net-metering-040114 The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) took action to give California homeowners with solar arrays and those who install solar under the current net-energy metering (NEM) program assurances that the net-metering contract they sign will be good Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/80-percent-americans-support-solar-033114 Fully 79 percent of U.S. residents now support solar energy, according to the latest consumer Energy and Environment Consumer Survey from Navigant Research. The survey found that of 10 clean energy choices or concepts solar was the most popular. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg-buys-roof-diagnostic-solar-1200mws-032814 This past week NRG Energy, one of the most forward looking energy companies, made two big announcements. First it announced yesterday (March 28) that it purchased Roof Diagnostics Solar, a residential solar installer, then today it announced that it now h Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/facebook-solar-internet-laser-032714 Today Mark Zuckerberg announced on—where else, Facebook—that his company is indeed looking to spread the Internet via drones, laser beams and other space-aged stuff. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/petersendean-expanding-5-new-offices-032714 PetersenDean a roofing company that expanded into solar a number of years ago is reaching its 30 year anniversary this year—and its planning big things. Starting in May the company will start rolling out five new offices, most in new states. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-passes-wind-2013-032614 That’s a take-away from the Clean Edge’s “Clean Energy Trends 2014” report released today (March 26). The report found that just in terms in photovoltaics the world installed 36.5 gigawatts of PV as opposed to 35.5 gigawatts of wind. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-rooftop-securitization-$250-032514 SolarCity and BofA Merrill Lynch are launching the first large-scale aggregated fund to support residential rooftop solar. Today the companies announced that SolarCity received all commitments to its $250 million financing facility. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/moapa-reid-break-ground-first-solar-032414 Last Friday (March 21) the Moapa Band of Paiutes were joined by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) and representatives from First Solar and the LADWP in breaking ground on the first giant solar project on Native American lands. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-demand-46gws-2014-032114 The world of solar is shifting. Overall the amount of solar energy installed is growing a rapid pace with Mercom Capital predicting 2014 will 46 GWs of new solar. However where the solar is being installed is moving from Europe to Asia and the Americas. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-pv-industry-grow-2018-032014 In 2018 the annual deployment of photovoltaics is anticipated to grow to 100 gigawatts a year. That’s according to NPD Solarbuzz’ latest Marketbuzz report, which said that by then PV will be a $50 billion worldwide market. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wins-alec-eei-net-metering-031914 Net-metering policies are continuing to come under fire from the utility industry and its allies. In established markets and in new markets, like Utah and Washington state. But over the past two weeks they’ve been handed some round defeats. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/cpv-comeback-031814 The most efficient form of solar power, concentrated photovoltaic (CPV), is the least commonly used right now. Last year the U.S. alone saw multiple gigawatts PV installed. The whole world is likely to have about 357.9 megawatts of CPV installed in 2014. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-solar-breaks-records-031714 Last year around June California’s large-scale solar arrays started breaking records—big records of generation. But this year the state’s giant solar arrays are already producing more than twice what they produced just last summer. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/minnesota-approves-first-value-of-solar-tariff-031414 Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s chose the methodology to calculate a value-of-solar tariff—a first for the U.S. Solar advocates have fought for such a rule across the nation because such tariffs that utilities will have to pay to solar owners. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/eif-venture-invests-complete-solar-solution-031314 Complete Solar Solution announced earlier this week (March 10) that the venture capital fund Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF) led a $5 million investment in the company and its HelioQuote software. Other investors in the offering included Floodgate Capital. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-lower-utility-austin-031314 Yup. At least that’s what’s rumored to be in the works under a pending deal between Austin Energy and SunEdison. However no one will really know until the final paperwork is signed, which is expected as soon as next week. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-best-buy-gift-certificates-031214 Are solar panels becoming consumer electronics? While the majority of devices at the local Best Buy suck more and more of the energy in your home the store is starting to offer solar arrays so homeowners can power their new toys and tools with the sun. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-decathlon-latin-america-columbia-041214 The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon is becoming an event that rivals the Olympics in international appeal. Yesterday (March 11) the DOE announced that in late 2015 Latin America and the Caribbean will host its first Solar Decathlon. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/8minutenergy-gestamp-ppa-midway-031114 8minutenergy Renewables and Gestamp signed a 20 year power-purchase agreement (PPA) for the 50 megawatt Midway Solar Farm project in Imperial County, Calif. The project will be located on 486 acres of low-productivity farmland. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-boosts-solar-energy-storage-investments-031014 Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) office announced $28.6 million in NY-Sun Initiative investments and $1.4 million in energy storage investments as New York continues to prepare for its energy future. The initiative has helped spur the addition of 299 MWs of sola Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/overcoming-the-obstacles-to-rooftop-solar-systems-030814 With nearly 80% of rooftops in the US unfit for solar panels, alternative options are needed. Community solar allows condo owners, renters, and those with shaded or improperly-positioned rooftops to go solar without installing a system on their property. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/illinois-green-powered-communities-030714 Illinois’ cornfields aren’t the only green thing in the state, nearly 100 communities in the the state are 100 percent powered by renewable electricity. That’s according to Leading from the Middle: How Illinois Communities Unleashed Renewable Energy Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/americas-solar-growth-europe-wane-030614 GlobalData issued a number of reports this week that projecting future solar photovoltaics (PV) growth across the world through 2030. Among the key findings are that that solar power in the Americas will boom between now and 2030. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/facebook-drones-solar-030614 A rumor’s been swirling around the Internet this week that Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook are interested in acquiring solar-powered drone maker Titan Aerospace. The social media giant is interested in the drone company to make the Internet truly mobile. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/siea-gtm-research-5gws-solar-2013-030514 The U.S. installed 4.75 gigawatts of photovoltaics (PV) and brought 410 megawatts of concentrating solar power (CSP) online. That’s according to the Solar Market Insight Report 2013 Year in Review report released by SEIA and GTM Research. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mosaic-rgs-solar-home-loan-040514 Mosaic and RGS Energy announced the launch of the Mosaic Home Solar Loan, a new alternative in the solar financing space. Under the loan offering Mosaic and RGS Energy will allow homeowners to go solar with little or no upfront costs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/xcel-community-energy-pv-project-030414 The bulk of new solar power coming online in Colorado in the next few years will come from one new project, Community Energy’s 120 megawatt Comanche Solar project. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-marijuana-030314 With the county’s eyes on Colorado’s marijuana law, growers are looking for opportunities to better use their profits while still dealing with federal roadblocks. One potential is investing in solar to offset soaring electric grid needs for growing. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/two-thin-film-solar-records-broken-022814 That’s right, not one, but two thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies broke efficiency records this week. Both technologies put their thin-film PV within much closer range of silicon-based PV, which comprise the overwhelming majority of solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-homes-solar-part-2-022814 One of the key markets for solar is residential solar. While most people think about adding solar to an existing home, an increasing number of builders and states are offering solar as a standard option or even including solar as a feature of the homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-homes-solar-part-1-022814 One of the key markets for solar is residential solar. While most people think about adding solar to an existing home, an increasing number of builders and states are offering solar as a standard option or even including solar as a feature of the homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-solar-policy-report-022714 A new report out from the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) looks into what solar policies at the state level are most effective at supporting solar PV installations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vets-10-percent-solar-workforce-022614 More than 13,000 U.S. Veterans are already working in the solar industry, and the number is growing. That’s almost 10 percent of the workforce in the solar industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-installers-incentive-end-COSIEA-022514 “I’m of the perspective that I want to pull the Band-Aid off and end all incentives for solar,” said Blake Jones, president and co-owner of Namaste Solar.“Including the ITC. I’m actually looking forward to the ITC going from 30 percent to 10 per Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/net-metering-heats-up-north-carolina-022414 The net-metering battle is raging in increasingly more of the U.S. Now it looks like a new hotspot for solar, North Carolina, is also a new hotspot for the net-metering fight. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado-solar-advocates-defend-net-metering-022114 Net-metering is still under attack in much of the U.S. and Colorado continues being one of the major battlegrounds. Advocates increased their efforts to support net-metering with a new site, Colorado Solar Voices. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/why-reviewing-solar-installers-matters-021914 Recently PV Solar Report ran a piece extolling Angie’s List’s ranking of residential solar installers. That’s great. As PV Solar Report points outresidential solar is becoming more mainstream. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/majority-new-solar-under-20-mws-021914 Solar power makes headlines almost everyday. The biggest headlines are grabbed by the biggest projects. But perhaps it’s the sheer amount of commercial and utility photovoltaic (PV) projects planned that should really grab people’s attention—4,300. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sol-systems-100-million-commercial-solar-fund-021814 Sol Systems launched a new $100 million fund to support commercial and large-scale solar projects. Under the new fund Sol Systems will support projects between 750 kilowatts and 20 megawatts in size. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/duke-300-mws-solar-north-carolina-021714 Last Friday Duke Energy, one of North Carolina’s largest power companies called for 300 more megawatts of solar energy in a new request for proposals (RFP) to be installed by the end of 2015—just under two years. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/itc-ruling-raise-solar-price-us-021414 The U.S. International Trade Commission preliminary sided with complainant SolarWorld to impose tariffs on imported solar products from Taiwan in addition to the Chinese solar import tariffs. The imposition of such tariffs could affect prices in US. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mercatus-platform-solar-bonds-021314 Solar is coming into a new age of financing arrangements. Even prior to MidAmerican Energy Holdings’ issuance of bonds to support the 550 megawatt Topaz Solar Farm in California, the U.S. solar energy industry was eyeing the creation of securities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-60-percent-utility-goal-021214 The U.S. Energy Department said that utility-scale solar photovoltaic is now more than 60 percent cost-competitive with other energy sources. The news comes just three years into President Obama’s SunShot Initiative to reduce the cost of rooftop solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-census-2013-021114 The Solar Foundation (TSF) introduced its latest round of reports including a state-by-state breakdown of the National Solar Jobs Census 2013, showing how states’ solar energy employment is going up or down. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/concentrating-solar-power-energy-storage-value-021114 Concentrating solar power (CSP) facilities with thermal energy storage are proving more valuable since they can serve as more of a base-load solar power plant than a photovoltaic array. That’s the conclusion of a new NREL report. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-files-wto-India-solar-021014 The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) filed a complaint against India to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the country’s domestic content requirements for solar systems. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-energy-storage-020714 One of solar power’s biggest enemies is—not surprisingly—when the sun’s not shining. Not just at night, but also on cloudy days. But energy storage technologies can make solar a more reliable energy source and they're gaining traction. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/spy-awards-2014-020714 The Annual Solar Power Generation USA Congress announced this year’s SPG USA ’14 Awards, which awarded projects for best solar collaboration, best solar project and most innovative solar company. The awards went to a diverse set of companies an Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mosaic-crowdsourcing-residential-solar-020614 Mosaic announced that it partnered with Connecticut’s green bank, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) and Sungage Financial to fund $5 million in crowdsourced loans for solar installations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado-net-metering-xcel-020514 Last year, one of the headline stories in U.S.’s solar world was net-metering. It looks like this will continue to be a hot topic in 2014 in some markets, including Colorado. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunrun-buys-rec-solar-020414 Sunrun purchased Mainstream Energy Corp.’s residential division of REC Solar, AEE Solar and SnapNrack. The purchase will allow Sunrun, which primarily operated as a residential solar financing company, to expand offerings in the residential solar space. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-to-use-solar-first-020314 There are plenty of rumors out there about new gadgets and gear and none are usually more tantalizing than those that come out around Apple. Apple has filed numerous patents related to photovoltaic devices that could be used to power its devices. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/positive-energy-solar-leads-new-medico-013114 New Mexico, home to the Painted Desert, and countless days of sunshine a year. As such it’s no surprise the state should be a bastion for solar energy.companies like Positive Energy Solar are growing New Mexico's distributed generation market. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/super-solar-bowl-013114 This year Super Bowl XLVIII is being called a lot of things, the Stoner Bowl, the Green Bowl, etc. But perhaps we should call it the Green Bowl for another reason, the teams are playing at solar-powered MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-state-of-the-union-renewables-013014 In Obama’s previous State of the Union (SOTU) addresses he put out ambitious plans for moving the U.S. to more renewable energy. He didn’t offer any significant new programs for solar or wind power but said the U.S. should continue to support clean en Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kansas-renewable-energy-support-012814 hen people think about clean energy and wind or solar power Kansas doesn’t come to mind first, but the state’s residents strongly support more renewable energy in the largely agrarian state, at least according to a new poll. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-142000-solar-employees-012714 The U.S. now has 142,698 employees working in the solar sector—up nearly 20 percent from the year before. Overall the growth rate eclipsed that of the national employment growth rate by about 10 times. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-shout-out-solar-012414 The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) launched the national “Shout Out For Solar Day” and the accompanying America Supports Solar social media campaign. To celebrate the day, SEIA is encouraging solar supporters to take pictures with solar si Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-solmetric-buy-012414 Residential solar installer Vivint Solar announced Jan. 23 that it acquired Solmetric Corp., a developer of photovoltaic installation instruments and software products. The strategic acquisition will bring Solmetric’s services in-house for Vivint. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado-energy-office-net-metering-xcel-012214 In Colorado rooftop solar has become popular. In part because of the state’s net-metering rules. Now the utility is trying to change the way it calculates the reimbursement to net-metered customers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/japan-india-solar-boom-012114 Japan has now joined the 10 gigawatt photovoltaics gang, installing 4 gigawatts of PV last year alone. By October 31 that brought the country up to 11.3 gigawatts of installed solar. Meanwhile, India is starting to catch up. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/crowdfunding-may-bring-solar-energy-to-non-profits Non-profits cannot take advantage of most solar leasing initiatives, power purchase agreements, or financing programs that make the adoption of solar power easier. The solution may be somewhat straightforward and may take the form of crowdfunding. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/spainish-solar-graphene-efficient-011714 Spanish scientists at the Universitat Jaume I in Castelló’s Group of Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Devices (DFO) and the University of Oxford published research showing that they created a graphene and perovskite 15.6 percent efficient solar cell. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-open-solar-investing-public-011614 SolarCity, the U.S.’s largest residential solar installer just made it easier for the public to invest in solar power—even if it’s for their neighbor! Yesterday (Jan. 15) the company announced that it will soon launch a web-based investment system Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-energy-collective-solar-garden-massachusetts-011514 Colorado-based community solar developer Clean Energy Collective (CEC) announced that it will enter the state of Massachusetts, making solar energy available to more people than ever before. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ocnergy-launches-100M-fund-in-US-011414 Germany’s Conergy, which like SunPower, both manufactures and installs soar arrays, today announced (Jan. 14) that it launched the Conergy Fund I program, a $100 million fund to support the development of large-scale projects in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-star-coming-online-011314 MidAmerican Solar and SunPower said that the first part of the 579-megawatt Solar Star development, the two co-located projects in California’s Kern and Los Angeles counties, is now online in California. The completed projects will be among the biggest. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-gov-solar-agenda-011014 Over the past few years New York, under Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has made solar a priority. Under that leadership the state has installed nearly 300 megawatts of solar—since 2012. Now the governor reaffirmed his commitment with plans for 3GWs of solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/north-carolina-second-for-solar-010914 California is still the dominant market for solar. New Jersey was the second largest state solar for a long time and occasionally displaced California in terms of the number of new solar installations. But now North Carolina has supplanted New Jersey. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-solar-rooftops-top-1GW-2013-010814 In 2013 California installed 1 gigawatt of rooftop solar. In 2014 the U.S. is anticipated to install 5 gigawatts of solar. So last year California installed about 20 percent of what the whole nation is anticipated to install this year on rooftops alone. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-beats-natural-gas-minnesota-010714 An administrative law judge in Minnesota has ruled that a solar proposal is a better deal for Minnesotans than a competing natural gas proposal. The proposal by Geronimo Energy would include up to 100 megawatts solar arrays between 2 MWs and 10 MWs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-10-billion-financing-2013-010614 The solar sector drew almost $10 billion in venture capital, debt and public market financing in 2013, up 25 percent from the $8 billion it raised in 2012. That’s according to clean energy consulting firm Mercom Capital Group’s annual report. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-jersey-lawmakers-solar-move-forward-010314 A couple of years ago New Jersey lawmakers passed the Solar Act of 2012, which was intended to encourage more solar development in the state. Instead the state’s Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has used the law to obstruct development of new solar farms Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ford-solar-car-ces-c-max-010214 Solar panels on cars are nothing new. The Toyota Prius has has offered solar panels on its roof for a number of years.Ford’s doing something different with solar this year the CES next week—it’s a charging a hybrid car with the sun. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/happy-new-solar-2014! Happy new year. 2013 is done and gone. It was a pretty good year for solar, the best yet. If you thought solar power was slowing down, it’s just getting warmed up. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/biggest-solar-stories-2013-123113 Any list that claims “the biggest” of anything is up for speculation unless you’re talking about the award-winning hog at the local 4-H contest. That said 2013 has been a great year for solar with some dynamic shifts in the U.S. and the world. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/virtual-net-metering-and-the-future-of-community-solar As of 2013, ten states and Washington DC have enacted some form of virtual net metering legislation. Will the future of community solar depend on virtual net metering laws or will creative models bypass the need for legislation? Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-video-holiday-card-123013 People love creating fun holiday cards and videos around this time of year. While some of the zaniest holiday videos this year included a guy named Paul and a family rapping to Will Smith’s Miami, SolarEdge gets a nod for their “Scream & Shout” vide Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/principal-solar-bid-solar-utility-122713 Principal Solar got a nice Christmas present in the form of a new partnership with Carlyle Capital Markets which will serve as Principal’s financial consultant as the solar energy company pursues its strategy of acquiring solar projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/north-carolina-homeowners-satisfied-solar-122613 Last week the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) released a new report which found that the majority of more than 1,300 solar rooftop and 1,000 geothermal system were highly satisfied with their renewable energy systems. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-reach-49GW-2014-122413 It’s close to the end of the year. While children are waiting to hear the sound of reindeer on rooftops, businesspeople are looking forward to 2014. Among them the solar industry, which is hoping to put the sound of boots on rooftops rather than hooves. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/breezy-point-solar-bank-funding-122313 The Breezy Point Green Committee has launched the Breezy Solar Bank. every homeowner that goes solar through the offering in Breezy Point, Rockaway Point, and Roxbury, EmPower Solar will add $200 to a Breezy Solar Bank community project. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-popularity-massachusetts-grows-121913 A new poll shows that now 67 percent of all voters in Massachusetts believe that the solar industry is important to the commonwealth’s economy, up from 57 percent in June 2013. The polls come after the state announced it would quadruple solar goals. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-big-texas-alamo-400mw-pv-121813 Texas is known for going big. In a state with so much land and so much sun it’s no wonder that with the 400 megawatt Alamo Solar Project the state is starting to warm to solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/net-metering-expected-to-grow-in-the-us According to a report by Fitch Ratings, net energy metering (NEM) will experience strong growth in the U.S. as federal and state governments seek to further renewable energy goals. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-christmas-present-ideas-121713 Want to get that special someone on your list something that reflects their love of the sun and solar power? Thankfully there are all sorts of great gift ideas out there to get a little more use out of the sun. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/go-solar-add-home-value-121613 A report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that a new photovoltaic installation on a home leads to a $5,911 price boost per kilowatt installed. The report is a sign that solar is good for the current, as well as the future, homeowner. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/four-ways-to-save-money-and-the-planet-121513 In addition to conservation measures, people can begin taking powerful actions to address climate change with their money. Here are four new opportunities for you to take powerful action right now and make or save money in the process. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/go-solar-do-good-121313 ‘Tis the holiday season, starting with Hanukkah and Thanksgiving and stretching through to New Year’s Eve. While you might not be thinking about putting solar on your roof during the shortest days of the year, maybe you should. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/protest-xcel-net-metering-cuts-121213 Hundreds gathered in Denver's chilly noon chanting “Fair credit!” and other slogans as they delivered a petition with nearly 30,000 signatures to Xcel’s Colorado headquarters calling for Xcel Energy to not gut its solar net-metering policy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-manufacturing-13-million-DOE-121113 DOE said it is supporting solar manufacturing in the U.S. by investing a total of $13 million in five solar companies across the country. The funds are matched by $14 million in private funding and are designed to improve solar manufacturing. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/best-US-residential-solar-quarter-12-10=13 It’s the second time that GTM Research and SEIA have had to say that it’s the second best quarter for solar in the U.S. and it’s a good sign for the solar industry as 2013 comes to a close. Moreover it was the best quarter for residential solar, eve Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dupont-solar-superfund-site-120913 Last week DuPont announced the completion of a new, 548 kilowatt solar array, which on its own, wouldn’t be too amazing. But the chemical company completed the array using its own modules on its own Superfund site in Newark, Del. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop-solar-northeast-us-growth-120613 ACORE released the Northeastern portion of the 6th annual Renewable Energy in the 50 States report. It anticipated that by the end of 2021 the distributed solar power market (rooftops, small solar farms, commercial buildings, etc.) will grow to 2GWs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-orders-government-clean-energy-solar-2020 President Barack Obama has issued a Presidential Memorandum directing the federal government and all its entities to source 20 percent of their energy from renewable energy by 2020. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison-de-lage-landen-solar-fund-100m-120413 SunEdison and financier De Lage Landen announced that they were expanding their previous partnership to support commercial and municipal solar installations with more $100 million in new funding. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-goes-mainstream-in-europe When the talk turns to renewable energy sources and lessening our dependency on fossil fuels, good old solar power always gets brought up. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/parity-solar-projections-12313 The idea of parity for solar power, the day when power from solar panels costs as much as other electric generation sources, like coal or natural gas, is coming closer. But when exactly will we hit that mark? Lux Research says: soon. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/soft-costs-more-than-solar-costs-120213 The soft costs of solar photovoltaics—the non-hardware costs related to solar panels and inverters—now comprise the majority of solar energy's costs; even though they’ve always represented some of the easiest areas for cost reductions in solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/via-motors-solar-truck-112913 VIA Motors unveiled SölTRUX, a photovoltaic truck bed cover. The company will first offer the PV-powered charger on its modified Silverado trucks as an accessory, but the company plans to offer a similar option for its passenger and cargo vans. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/thankful-for-solar-43-gw-pipeline-112813 This year, as we head into the holiday season, solar power has become an increasingly large part of our lives. While still making up a small, small percentage of the U.S.’s power needs, it’s likely the quickest growing energy source. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ascent-retail-locations-california-112713 Ascent Solar is selling its consumer line of mobile friendly, flexible CIGS (Copper indium gallium selenide) products a kiosks in Colorado and California and coming soon to Nevada. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-competitive-fossil-fuel-subsidy-cuts-112513 The U.S. gives away billions of dollars annually to rich coal, oil and gas companies. Five of top oil companies made $1 trillion over the last decade. “The End Polluter Welfare Act of 2013” would end those subsidies, helping solar to compete more even Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-brightens-rooms-and-spirits-in-underprivileged-communities Today, 1.3 billion people are living without electricity and rely on dangerous kerosene lamps to provide light. New Vision Renewable Energy has developed portable solar lights to replace lethal kerosene lamps for those in impoverished communities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunedison-spin-off-ipos-300m-fund-112513 SunEdison is one of the world’s largest solar companies, installing residential and commercial solar power across the world. Now it may raise capital to support new projects by spinning off some of its other projects in a new subsidiary company. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dod-nrdc-partner-clean-energy-112213 The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop guidelines for renewable energy deployment. The guidelines address appropriate development of clean energy on and around DOD-controlled lands. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rodents-wreak-havoc-on-rooftop-solar Whether it’s pigeons nesting underneath your solar array, cooing and scurrying around on your roof, or a family of squirrels who spend their days chewing on your system’s wiring—animals can threaten your solar generation as well your peace of mind. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/top-states-for-solar-fall-2013 The most important factor for homeowners considering solar is payback time or ROI -- the shorter the payback the better. So in this particular top 10 ranking, the states with the shortest payback period and the highest energy prices top the list. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/global-pv-market-stabilizes-module-prices-expected-to-rise The cost of solar energy has been on the decline in recent years, largely due to low-cost photovoltaic modules. But as the market stabilizes and PV modules become scarcer, experts predict the cost of these panels will increase 9% in 2014. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-panels-west-austin-112013 A new study from Austin’s Pecan Street Research Institute finds that residential solar PV panels facing west may be more beneficial than those facing south -- at least in the summer in Austin, Texas. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/no-solar-fee-georgia-111913 The Georgia Public Services Commission and Georgia Power, the state’s monopoly utility, chose to not impose a $22 monthly fee on solar installations Nov. 18. In addition, the preliminary ruling would help keep the costs of electricity down. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/next-step-living-solar-campaigns-111813 Next Step Living is running multiple campaigns tapering down over the holiday season to both do good and reduce the cost of solar in Massachusetts. For instance, it created the Waltham Solar Challenge to help speed adoption of solar power on homes there. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ape-wins-solar-fee-battle-111513 Arizona’s largest utility Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) won a small victory on Nov. 14 when the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) allowed the utility to impose a fee on solar power users. But it’s a far smaller victory than the utility wanted. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/can-providence-ri-be-transformed-into-an-urban-solar-field What would it take to turn Providence, Rhode Island into an urban solar field? Here are some ideas. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-offers-solar-securities-111413 The residential solar industry is entering new boundary waters with a subtle sploosh. SolarCity announced that it planned to offer $54.4 million in securities. Doesn’t sound too exciting? It is. It could help reduce the cost of residential solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arizona-aps-net-metering-debate-111313 $4.7 million. That’s an estimate of how much money was spent on advertising campaigns by rooftop solar opponents and advocates in Arizona as the state’s largest utility, Arizona Public Service (APS) tries to implement a solar fee on rooftop solar user Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/marketing-solar-to-women-111213 Women make most purchasing decisions in the home—upwards of 80 percent of them, including home improvement decisions. In addition, women are also often the bill payers in the home. Yet it seems that solar marketers might not be targeting them. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-energy-attracts-more-investors A report released by Mercom Capital Group reveals that the funding solar energy has received from private investors throughout the past year has been on the rise. In fact, the third quarter of 2013 shows an $18 million increase over the previous quarter. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tetrasun-solar-pennies-nrel-111113 The majority of silicon solar photovoltaics use silver to conduct electricity but thanks in part to help from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, TetraSun is using copper as a conductor instead of silver. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nfl-stadiums-will-soon-buzz-with-solar-electricity-110813 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-american-energy-data-challenge-110813 How can we use energy more efficiently? That’s the central question behind the Department of Energy’s American Energy Data Challenge launched this week. Using energy more efficiently means (hopefully) needing less energy, making solar easier to instal Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-rooftop-solar-challenge-ii-110713 The Department of Energy’s Rooftop Solar Challenge is tackling the soft costs of solar and yesterday (Nov. 6) it announced a new round of award winners that will use the awards to reduce the soft costs of solar locally. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/community-solar-pennsylvania-110613 In Pennsylvania there’s a whole area of solar, community solar gardens, that still aren’t even allowed. But that may be changing as a number of organizations are trying to find a way around current restrictions on such projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-native-american-wirsol-solar-110513 The California National Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) has partnered with Wirsol Solar to see how solar power can reduce the cost of energy for gaming facilities and rural reservations that don't receive power from the traditional grid. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/energy-trust-oregon-5000-solar-homes-110113 Energy Trust of Oregon has now helped 5,000 homeowners go solar. Anbu Varatharajan, Durga Nallathambi and their 4-month-old daughter didn’t win a sweepstakes for being the 5,000th household to go solar—but the array will reduce their energy bills. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/google-invests-103-million-dollars-in-CA-solar-power-plant-103113 Google is investing $103 million into the new Mount Signal Solar project in California. This is the 13th utility-scale renewable energy project that Google has invested in, and it won't be the company's last. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-renewable-energy-standard-103113 Two bills calling on the U.S. to create a renewable energy standard (RES) have been introduced in the Senate. Both bills would require the U.S. to source 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind by 2025. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vanderbilt-supercapacitor-solar-cell-103013 Imagine a photovoltaic cell or module that actually stores as well as produces energy, acting as a battery and producing power even after dark. New research into silicon-based supercapacitors at Vanderbilt University shows that it’s possible. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ikea-refugee-solar-housing-102913 Ikea announced an ambitious making inexpensive flat-packed, solar-powered refugee shelters. The master of flat-packing has shipped its Refugee Housing Units (RHUs) to Ethiopia and Syria where refugees are now living in more stable shelters than before. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ivanpah-the-fray-solar-video-102813 The 377 megawatt Ivanpah Solar Energy Generating System is a star among the solar community, the project recently got to be a star in another way. The Denver-based rock band The Fray used the monolithic solar project as the background for their new video. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-powered-webcams-help-protect-endangered-species In remote areas of the U.S., solar-powered webcams are helping biologists monitor the activity of endangered species, and help them preserve declining populations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ape-under-fire-rooftop-solar-102513 Arizona Public Service (APS) is coming under fire for its efforts to gut net-metering. Now the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA) and the Alliance for Solar Choice are calling for investigations into the utility’s lobbying efforts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/blm-colorado-solar-zone-auctions-102413 Sites identified as Solar Energy Zones are already part of some energy projects in California, BLM hasn’t held an auction of the sites until now. The first of these auctions is happened in Colorado Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/doe-awards-60m-for-solar-research-and-development-projects-education-102313 The Department of Energy will award $60 million to support solar energy research and development. But will the research efforts easily translate to commercialization to make solar cost-competitive with fossil fuels by 2020? Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/researchers-analyze-solar-panel-performance-in-cold-climates Michigan Technological University’s Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) is now a part of a two-year study that aims to gauge how snow affects solar panels’ power generation and determine the best ways to overcome any losses. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-power-solar-tariff-draws-ire-102313 Georgia Power introduced a rate increase request to the state’s Public Service Commission, asking to impose a solar tariff of roughly $22 per month ($262 a year) for customers with solar homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrdc-solar-schools-campaign-102213 A somewhat unlikely organization has jumped into the crowdfunding fray, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which is aiming to install solar on schools as soon as January 2014 through a new Indiegogo campaign. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-finalizes-decision-that-utilities-must-start-buying-energy-storage-102213 After two and half years of debate, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has decided that the state’s investor-owned utilities must begin buying a combined 200MW of energy storage technology by 2014 and reach 1.3GW by 2020. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-homeowners-want-solar-102113 Two new reports attest to the popularity of solar among homeowners across the U.S. The studies suggest that utilities, policymakers and regulators should consider this as they consider current and future net-metering and other solar incentive policies. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/umd-solar-powered-bird-101813 Ths sun is providing power for the University of Maryland’s Robo Raven III, a PV-powered robotic bird that help future micro air vehicles endure longer flights. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-brings-1-billion-to-colorado-101713 A new report from The Solar Foundation and the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) finds that the solar industry has brought $1.42 billion in benefits to Colorado, from job creation to conserving precious water supplies. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/netherlands-wins-world-solar-challenge-101613 The World Solar Challenge, the biennial, PV-powered race across Australia was dominated by the Dutch this year. Teams from the Netherlands won both the overall challenge in the Electric Challenger Class and the Cruiser Class. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/largest-residential-solar-pv-system-in-central-ma-completed-101613 New England Clean Energy has installed the largest residential solar PV system in Central Massachusetts, and one of the largest in the state. The 45.9 KW ground-mounted system installed on land in Grafton has 180 panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/corporate-solar-use-increase-101513 Among the top 25 corporate users of distributed solar energy use increased by 33 percent in just one year, with the top 25 users of local solar having more than 445 megawatts of solar in action, up from 300 megawatts in 2012. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vienna-wins-solar-decathlon-101413 This past Saturday, the DOE announced that Team Austria of the Vienna University of Technology beat out the other 18 teams to win the Solar Decathlon of 2013. It was also closest and highest scoring event since the Solar Decathlon began in 2002. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-panels-sustain-indoor-crops-create-electricity-101413 Innovative approaches to photovoltaic greenhouses allow crops and PV panels to co-exist without threatening the livelihood of crops, while creating energy to power greenhouse operations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/abengoa-solar-first-csp-operational-us-101113 Two giant concentrating solar power (CSP) plants have been racing to completion and commercial operation testing. Now, Abengoa Solar’s Solana system has taken the lead, passing commercial operation testing Oct. 9. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/oneroof-energy-solar-home-loans-101013 Solar leases and power-purchase agreements (PPAs). have dominated residential solar growth. But now a small, but increasing number of companies are starting to offer another alternative—loans. OneRoof Energy is the latest to offer solar loans. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-revolution-in-africa-puts-rural-villages-on-the-grid-100913 A solar project aimed at making women in Ghana both entrepreneurs and engineers will get rural parts of the African country on the grid. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fpl-offers-9m-solar-rebates-100913 Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL), Florida’s largest utility is introducing a new, $9 million round of solar incentives—but if you’re a home or business owner in Florida, hurry! The rebates become available on Oct. 15 and will likely sell out that day Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gwu-first-pv-sidewalk-100813 Sidewalks aren’t usually thought of as revolutionary but the latest sidewalk at George Washington University’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus is. It’s the world’s first sidewalk made of PV panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-exec-santa-anna-office-biggest-installer-100813 Vivint Solar opened its newest office in Santa Anna, Calif., as the company continues its rocket-paced expansion. Brendon Merkley, Vivint Solar’s chief operating officer, discusses the expansion and plans for the future. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/dont-let-your-bright-idea-become-shady-choose-the-right-solar-installer Not all solar installers can provide the expertise, high-quality workmanship, and reliable customer service to ensure your system performs efficiently to ensure the highest return on investment. Here are some tips for finding the best solar installer. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/what-does-a-solar-future-without-rebates-look-like-100413 Solar rebates, especially in California, have helped get the ball rolling on the solar energy movement. Looking into a future without rebates, how will the solar industry adapt? Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/national-solar-tour-100413 One of the most important solar events is occurring Oct. 5, the National Solar Tour. The tour, now in its 18th year, isn’t a stuffy conference in some far flung place or city, rather it allows people to go into their solar neighbors’ homes and busines Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-decathlon-opens-100313 Over the past few weeks, collegiate teams the world over have furiously toiled to rebuild their solar-powered homes at Orange County Great Park in preparation the Solar Decathlon. On Oct. 3, the exhibits opened to the public. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/black-veatch-brightery-100m-pv-rooftops-100213 Kansas City, Mo., will soon be gleaming with new solar arrays, thanks to a new partnership between engineering, procurement, construction company Black & Veatch and commercial solar installer Brightergy. The companies allied to develop $100M in PV roofs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-shutdown-solar-effects-100113 While the solar industry isn’t the first concern as the U.S. government stalemate continues, it may be affected in a number of ways – from research to incentives to regulating the electric grid. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/not-always-the-bad-guy-how-utilities-can-help-solar-energy Some utility companies see solar energy growth as a threat to their business model and are doing their best to stop it. Others recognize the opportunities that solar presents and are promoting the growth of the industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/250-mw-moapa-solar-first-solar-093013 The 250 megawatt solar farm that the Moapa Band of Paiutes are building on tribal property was purchased by First Solar last week from K Road Power Holdings. The project is the first utility-scale solar project on a Native American reservation. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wind-reduce-emmisions-NREL-092713 One argument against wind and solar is that they cause fossil fuel plants to release more emissions as they cycle electric production up and down to balance the load of electricity on the grid. That's bogus, claims a new NREL study. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ancient-form-of-clean-energy-becomes-increasingly-valuable-092713 Solar energy is one of the most ancient forms of energy, and has embraced a myriad of technological incarnations. What will it take for solar to continue to advance and achieve widespread adoption? Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/environment-california-solar-incentives-growth-092613 Environment California examined how net-metering policies could impact the state's solar industry. Without the passing of AB 327, California's net-metering policy faced extinction. But the bill could still have a large impact on the CA solar industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/net-metering-a-net-benefit-or-a-net-cost-092513 In essence, net metering sets the buyback rate at the customer’s retail rate. But now that solar PV is growing, utilities and regulators are struggling to determine what is or is not a fair way to handle net metering. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rmi-nrel-how-to-reduce-soft-costs-solar-092513 RMI and the NREL announced a new report that shows a roadmap of how to reduce the soft costs of solar over the next eight years. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-unified-solar-permit-cut-solar-costs-092413 New York has introduced a new standardized solar permitting process that municipalities across the state can adopt to help reduce the soft costs of going solar, while facilitating growth within the industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-compromise-end-us-china-pv-trade-war-092313 The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has proposed a compromise between the U.S. and China, to encourage both parties to reach an agreement to end their heated photovoltaic (PV) trade war. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarreviews-launches-pre-screened-solar-pro-accreditation SolarReviews, the largest customer reviews website in the solar industry, has formally launched the Pre-Screened Solar Pro accreditation, the first customer driven accreditation specific to the solar industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-powered-beer-lets-you-drink-responsibly Solar-powered breweries are giving bar patrons and consumers one more reason to enjoy a tasty brew – the feeling they’re saving the planet, one sip at a time. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:32 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rhode-island-landfill-receives-a-solar-makeover-902013 Rhode Island can now measure its solar projects in acres, as the state’s largest solar installation broke ground Aug. 14. When finished, the Forbes Street Landfill project will cover 14 acres with more than 13,000 solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/boston-tops-us-city-energy-efficiency-091913 Energy efficiency is the first step in making the planet cleaner and also makes additional sustainability steps—like going solar—easier and less costly. This year, Boston topped the charts as the most energy efficient city in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/china-polysilicon-tariffs-upped-to-64 China has imposed preliminary anti-subsidy tariffs on polysilicon imports (used in photovoltaic production) from select manufacturers in the U.S. This is the latest move in a solar trade war that has been escalating between China and the U.S. since 2011. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/how-demand-influences-innovation-solar-may-see-improvements-soon-091713 As demand continues to influence innovation, solar energy will likely experience an increase of innovative improvements in the near future. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarworld-financing-hawaiian-solar-091713 SolarWorld has jumped into the fray of companies that offer solar under a third-party ownership (TPO) arrangement through its new Freedom Plan. The company is now introducing the plan in the Hawaii market. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-passes-solar-bills-091613 In the waning hours of California’s legislative session, the state’s lawmakers have passed solar bills, one changes electric rate structures in California remove the net-metering cap. The other increases access to clean energy for ratepayers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/popular-myths-and-truths-about-home-solar-panels-091313 Despite their benefits, a number of long-standing misconceptions about the capabilities, cost, and reliability of home solar panels have inhibited the growth of this game-changing technology. Read some of the common myths (and truths) about solar panels. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/moniz-interoduces-nrel-facility-091313 Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz visited NREL on Sept. 11 and announced a trio of efforts to increase the amount of clean energy in America with a new research facility -- Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-solar-second-best-quarter-091213 In the second quarter of 2013 the U.S. saw 832 megawatts of photovoltaics installed in the 28 leading states, making it the second-largest quarter for solar in the U.S.—ever. It’s also over 100 megawatts more than installed in the first quarter. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-panels-in-the-line-of-fire-091213 As more rooftop solar arrays are installed on residential and commercial buildings, firefighters are faced with new challenges when a blaze erupts. But with the proper training and preparation, these new hazards can be safely mitigated. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/boulder-looks-solar-debates-utility-091113 In an effort to create its own utility, powered by renewable energy, Boulder, Colo., is reaching out to the solar industry to explore how the city will transition from its current electric supply from Xcel Energy to renewables. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/top-5-reasons-why-solar-is-already-beating-fossil-fuels-091013 The solar industry is growing drastically every year, while fossil fuels continue to be phased out. And now, solar is already ahead of coal in some aspects. Here are the top five reasons why. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/homeboy-industries-installs-solar-LA-091013 The nonprofits GRID Alternatives and Homeboy Industries have partnered with SunEdison to install solar on six homes in California. Most recently (Sept. 10) they installed a 2 kilowatt PV array on the home of a nurse in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ft-solar-challenge-goes-statewide-090913 An effort to bring group purchasing discounts to Connecticut, CT Solar Challenge, has gone statewide after a successful pilot in a number of communities earlier this year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/collaborating-and-moving-forward-with-renewable-energy-090913 The spirit of environmental advocate Randy Udall lived on at this year’s Colorado Renewable Energy Conference—from the triumph of passing SB 252 to the theme of collaboration to achieve a better tomorrow. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/falling-into-solar-090613 Two great opportunities to learn more about solar are coming up: the National Solar Tour that invites homeowners across the U.S. to showcase their solar systems; and the Solar Decathlon, where university teams compete to create solar-powered homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/production-bringing-down-solar-costs-090513 When it comes to lowering the costs of photovoltaic (PV) production in China, production scale (not lower labor costs or government subsidies) is the key driver, according to a new MIT/NREL report. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-bill-gets-rooftop-solar-friendly-090413 AB 327 was proposed to fundamentally change how residents in California are charged for electricity and how utilities set up their net metering policies. The bill was maligned by many solar advocates and solar installers. Recent changes may win them over. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/report-assesses-energy-sector-vulnerability-due-to-climate-change-090313 As climate trends continue, the Department of Energy expects the energy sector to become increasingly vulnerable – ultimately restricting the supply of secure, sustainable and affordable energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-installs-521-mw-solar-2q13-080313 California has long been the nation’s largest market for solar. But this past quarter the state really blew the rest of the nation away, installing 53 percent of the 976 megawatts of PV installed in the U.S. during the quarter. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/seia-net-metering-principles-083013 This year, the U.S. has seen an increasing battle over net-metering, which has helped make solar economically feasible for homeowners across the U.S. The question now is: can we find a happy medium for utilities and homeowners? Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pge-signs-ppa-mosaic-solar-5-percent-return-082913 Mosaic and its project partner Pristine Sun signed a power-purchase agreement (PPA) for a 322 kilowatt PV array with Pacific Gas & Electric under its feed-in tariff program. The PPA allows investors in the project to experience a 5.5 percent annual return Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-powered-travel-takes-off-082813 Throughout the United States and the world, solar-powered travel is taking off. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/army-issues-request-7-billion-solar-projects-082713 As the U.S. Army continues to modernize, it’s showing a lot of interest in something black, shiny, metallic and non-lethal—solar. The Army issued up to $7 billion to support solar projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/california-nukes-get-more-subsidies-solar-082713 Since the U.S. first start subsidizing nuclear power in 1963 it has received more support in California on an annual basis than solar has. Since the modern era of federal solar incentives began in 2007, California has received about $2.17 billion. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-wind-compete-us-west-2025-082613 By 2025 wind and solar electric generation could be cost-competitive new natural-fired electric generation without federal subsidies in the U.S. West, according to a new report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/almost-50-new-us-energy-2012-renewable-082313 Last year renewable energy—largely wind and solar—accounted for nearly 50 percent of all new electric generation put on the U.S. grid last year. That totals about 13.1 GWs of wind and 3.3 GWs of solar PV. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/how-low-will-solar-costs-go-082213 GTM Research held a webinar discussing how low the costs of silicon-based PV will go by 2017. The company is forecasting a base case scenario where Chinese PV modules cost .36 per watt in 2017, down from .50 per watt at the end of 2012. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/what-do-all-these-solar-acronyms-mean-082213 Considering how many people are deciding to go solar, it’s important to take a closer look at the industry’s language to understand what common solar acronyms really mean. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/low-income-families-become-ambassadors-for-solar-energy-082113 GRID Alternatives brings together volunteers and solar job trainees to help low-income families, such as Bobby and Rick Lopez of Denver, reduce their electricity bills and become ambassadors for solar energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lpo-financed-16-billion-renewables-more-coming-082113 The Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office (LPO) loaned $16 billion for renewable energy projects. After the recession, 90% of the loan loss reserve remains intact, revealing that the program has been successful in helping finance new technologies. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-moves-forward-solar-projects-082013 Just over a month ago Georgia’s Public Services Commission (PSC) voted to approve Georgia Power’s plans to add in 525 megawatts of solar. Now companies are moving forward with plans to start installing new solar projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/80-percent-of-latinos-feel-net-metering-is-a-priority-in-southern-california-082013 A new poll reveals that 80% of the Latino community believes net metering is a priority in Southern California. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/texas-colorado-lowest-solar-costs-081813 The latest version of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s annual Tracking the Sun found that overall the lowest cost of solar was in Texas, followed by Colorado and the trend is likely to continue in 2013. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/enphase-microinverters-installed-canadian-081613 Vine Fresh Produce in Ontario, Canada has installed a 2.3 megawatt solar rooftop array on its greenhouse using Enphase microinverters. Most solar photovoltaic systems convert the DC electricity produced by PV panels into AC electricity used in homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-buys-paramount-solar-081513 Residential leasing giant SolarCity announced plans earlier this week to purchase Paramount Solar. The purchase was made as the third-party ownership company announced that it plans to have 1 million customers and 6 gigawatts of solar deployed. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/white-house-solar-panels-make-long-awaited-return-081513 Almost three years after President Obama announced that solar panels will be installed on the White House roof, the installation is now underway. The move will improve overall energy efficiency of America's most famous building. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/moapa-develop-gws-clean-energy-081413 The Moapa Band of Paiutes in Nevada announced that it has partnered with Herbst Energy and Stronghold (the largest minority woman-owned EPC in the U.S.) to develop up to 1.5 gigawatts of clean energy on tribal lands. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop-revolution-danny-kennedys-epic-odyssey-from-carbon-rich-jungles-to-sun-drenched-california Writer and environmental geologist Stacy Clark reviews Sungevity CEO Danny Kennedy's book, Rooftop Revolution. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/moving-above-ground-from-coal-mines-to-clean-energy As the number of coal mining jobs continues to decline throughout the U.S., more unemployed miners are finding work above ground—in the clean energy industry. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-new-orleans-stion-goes-080913 Residents of New Orleans can now get a 4.5 kilowatt Stealth Solar Kit, thanks to a partnership between GOES and Stion. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-beats-2Q-expectations-080813 SolarCity is showing that the residential solar third-party ownership model is viable for a company. However, even though the results were above the Wall Street consensus, SolarCity still posted a loss for the quarter, promoting an after-hours sell off. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/vivint-solar-200m-residential-solar-leases-080713 Vivint Solar’s residential solar leasing program just got a $200 million vote of confidence. The Utah-based company, an offshoot of home services company Vivint, is the latest company to create a large fund to support solar leases for homeowners. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-powered-watercraft-designed-for-rescue-missions-080713 British designer Ross Kemp built a solar-powered watercraft to assist lifeguards during water rescues. The vessel acts like a cross between a jet ski and a surfboard and costs three times less than a jet ski. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-outperforms-S-P-500-13-States-080513 In 13 states, including the most populous ones like California and New York, solar offers a better return on investment than investing in the S&P 500. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colorado-advocates-fight-xcel-solar-net-metering-080513 Colorado’s largest utility, Xcel Energy, filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to extend its Solar*Rewards program, which is good. But at the same time it would gut its support of rooftop solar by reducing the net-metering program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-roasted-coffee-creates-buzz Solar Roast Coffee utilizes solar energy to roast coffee beans and produce a unique, smooth flavor that never burns the beans. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/three-investment-vehicles-that-could-revolutionize-solar For the solar industry to maintain growth, it is necessary to reduce the costs of balancing system components, inverters, sales and installation or to innovate in other areas. One area open for innovation is solar finance. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/sunpower-solar-home-loan-program-080113 SunPower has released positive second quarter 2013 results, and plans to launch a new residential solar loan program that will allow homeowners to get a SunPower solar array with a loan instead of a PPA or third-party ownership. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/can-the-challenges-of-desert-solar-be-overcome Constructing solar power plants on desert land is appealing, but the logistics and political hurdles complicate the allure. Still, some experts are optimistic that, despite the challenges, more desert solar plants will be constructed in the future. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-doesnt-take-much-land-nrel-073113 Some have charged that solar power isn’t feasible because it takes up too much land. That’s not really true, finds a new report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The new report has some exciting results. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ucla-researchers-double-see-through-solar-073013 Researchers at UCLA have doubled the efficiency of see-through photovoltaic devices by creating a two-layered solar film. The new device can convert 7.3 percent of sunlight to electric power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/eu-trade-commission-punts-chinese-pv-duties-072913 After imposing preliminary duties on Chinese PV imports for unsavory trade practices, the European Union Trade Commission largely caved instating a price undertaking agreement rather than an outright duty, likely due to potential retaliation Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/pace-programs-for-solar-energy Through PACE you can install solar on your home for no money down and start saving immediately on monthly energy costs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/using-the-sun-to-keep-cool By harnessing the sun’s rays, solar panels can be generate emission-free electricity to power central air, and solar air conditioning units are gaining popularity for homeowners who aren’t ready to invest in a full rooftop solar array. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rooftop-solar-112-billion-2018-072613 The distributed generation industry, which includes systems below 1 megawatt in size—like solar installed on rooftops and commercial buildings—will grow to an annual $112 billion market by 2018. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/assurant-insures-connecticut-solar-lease-program-072513 Assurant is putting its weight behind Connecticut’s new $60 million residential solar lease program, CT Solar Lease II, offered through the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA). The company is bundling insurance and warranty management. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/overlooked-areas-for-solar-provide-greatest-benefit Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) reveal that solar energy, which aims to improve human health and reduce pollution by phasing out coal plants, is the most beneficial in the cloudy East and Midwest, as opposed to the sunny Southwest. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/renewables-development-in-the-emerging-world-may-lead-to-a-new-energy-paradigm More new wind and solar projects were installed in the developing world in 2011 than in developed economies. Over time, the developing world may become the leader in driving renewables forward. Find out which countries are likely to see an increase. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/arizona-tops-states-with-solar-072413 Arizona has some of the best solar resources in the world, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the state has the most solar power per capita. That’s according to a new report from Environment America. Other states may be a surprise. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/rmi-values-distributed-solar-report-072313 The Rocky Mountain Institute introduced a new report that discusses the values that distributed photovoltaics (DPV) provides to utilities and consumers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/peru-pursues-solar-masses-072213 Peru may be best known for Machu Picchu and other Incan and Aztec treasures, but the nation is looking to its future with new plans to use solar to provide electricity for about 2 million of it poorest residents by the end of 2016. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fight-against-solar-arizona-gets-support-071913 Arizona Public Service, Arizona’s largest utility is trying to gut its support of net-metering, and recently they got a boost from two swift-boat style attack ads, which may or may not be tied to the company itself. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/conservatives-solar-really-071813 Normally when people think about renewable energy and who supports it, most think it’s primarily championed by liberals and Democrats. But a growing number of conservatives and Republicans—even Tea Party members—are supporting solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/greening-your-landscape-with-solar-power Solar power is a convenient and effective way to green your landscape, from adding solar lights and solar-powered fountains to using solar lawn care equipment and even solar gardening robots. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/volvo-hybrid-foldable-solar-charger-071713 Volvo’s new diesel hybrid EV car may have a nondescript name (V60) but the hybrid, which is being introduced in Italy in September already has the world’s sexiest solar charger design. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/paramount-equit-solar-fund-clean-power-finance-071613 Paramount Equity’s subsidiary Paramount Solar has partnered with US Bank to create a new fund to support solar leases with Clean Power Finance. The new fund, the Paramount Energy Fund, allows homeowners to finance PV projects through Paramount Solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-panel-quality-trumps-price-china-will-be-forced-to-fold The cost of solar panels continues to plummet, but as concerns with panel quality have begun to surface, more consumers are seeking efficiency and reliability over low prices. This threatens the livelihood of price-focused Chinese panel producers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-votes-525-mws-solar-071513 Georgia’s Public Services Commission (PSC) voted 4-to-1 to add 525 MW of solar throughout state by 2016. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/common-points-of-confusion-on-california-renewable-energy-credits-(recs) How much do you know about Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)? This article discusses common points of confusion regarding California RECs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/unique-uses-for-solar-power-071213 Normally when we think of the sun, we think about light and maybe about heat. But there are those who have come up with some truly unique applications to use the sun’s power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-headphones-keep-mobile-devices-charged OnBeat Solar Headphones incorporate a flexible solar panel to charge batteries placed in each ear cup to keep mobile phones, tablets and mp3 players charged. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ny-greenlights-64-megawatts-big-solar-071113 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the state will support the deployment of 64 megawatts (MWs) of solar under the NY-Sun Initiative’s NY-Sun Competitive PV Program. The state will support the 79 projects with $54 million. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ranchers-roundup-the-power-of-the-sun Ranchers are herding more than sheep and cattle—they’re rounding up the power of the sun. Farmers too are harvesting the sun's rays to increase their energy independence and power their farming operations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/world-solar-challenge-expands-classes-07-10-13 This year’s World Solar Challenge will feature 47 teams from 26 countries and new classes—the Cruiser Class and the Adventure Class—in addition to the popular Challenger class. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/how-to-know-if-solar-is-right-for-your-home Going solar is a big commitment. How can you tell if solar energy is right for you? Here are some guidelines. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/us-surpasses-10-gw-solar-photovoltiacs-0709-13 NPD Solarbuzz is reporting that the U.S. now has more than 10 gigawatts (GWs) of photovoltaic power installed. Moreover, it joins just three other countries that have surpassed that mark: Germany—the overall leader, Italy and China. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-powered-plane-completes-us-flight-0708013 It was something of a Hollywood ending, a successful flight despite difficulties that could have ended Solar Impulse’s historic journey across the U.S. early. Fabric covering the lumbering solar-powered plane’s left wing tore. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/apple-datacenter-reno-sun-powered-070513 Apple’s newest datacenter, under construction in Reno, Nev., plans to take advantage of the sun with an 18 megawatt to 20 megawatt SunPower C7 Tracker photovoltaic array. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/600-homes-nm-holloman-solar-solarstrong-070313 SolarStrong strikes again, and it’s a good thing. SolarCity’s partnership with U.S. Renewables Group Renewable Finance and Bank of America Merrill Lynch to install solar on military housing units at bases across the country is making rapid progress. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/the-complexities-and-payoffs-of-using-rooftop-solar-panels-to-power-your-electric-vehicle In theory, the idea of using solar panels to charge electric cars seems a perfect combination. The sun is the planet’s greatest source of free energy and anyone with the capacity to harness it is at an advantage. The reality is of course more complicate Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/connecticut-solar-leasing-070213 Connecticut’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA)—also called the CT Green Bank—has leveraged $9.5 million in ratepayer funds into a $50 million private capital investment to support solar leasing for homes and businesses. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-powered-gas-station-debuts-in-salt-lake-city A Chevron station in Salt Lake City is the first solar-powered gas station in the state of Utah. With over 125 solar panels, owner Tammy Reid expects to cut her energy bill in half. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/texas-AM-university-builds-solar-testing-facility-070113 Last week Texas A&M University-Central Texas announced ambitious plans to build a $600 million solar testing facility, which it said would be the largest in the world. The university is partnering with the Center for Solar Energy to develop the facility. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-ower-finance-investor-duke-energy-062813 Clean Power Finance, a white label solar financing company and software as a service provider for solar installers, has just signed up another equity investor in Duke Energy, bringing the total round of equity financing up to $42 million. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/common-misconceptions-about-going-solar As solar power becomes increasingly popular, so do the misconceptions surrounding this form of clean energy. Here are some common myths and their facts about harnessing the power of the sun. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/financing-commercial-solar-pace-crowd-funding-and-limitations-(part-3) In Part 3 of Financing Commercial Solar, we explore commercial PACE, crowdfunding and overall financing limitations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/million-solar-roofs-colorado-062613 Colorado Speaker Mark Ferrandino (D), representatives from Environment Colorado, Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association and solar installers were on hand at an active solar installation near Denver to unveil A Million Solar Rooftops for Colorado. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-system-monitoring-offers-more-than-personal-gratification Besides watching how much money your solar array is saving you, system monitoring can uncover problems quickly and ensure your system is reliable and on track to meet its return on investment goal. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/consumer-reviews-the-solar-industry-is-falling-behind Online customer reviews are the second most trusted form of advertising. With a majority of customers demanding to see reviews before doing business, solar installers would be wise to collect and leverage their reviews to increase sales. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/la-prepare-for-solar-feed-in-tariff-062613 If you’re thinking about going solar and own a business or commercial building in LA, get ready fast. The LADWP's feed-in tariff incentive program is only accepting applications July 8 to 12. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/financing-commercial-solar-leasing-and-ppas-(part-2) Part Two of this financing commercial solar series focuses on solar leasing and power-purchase agreements (PPAs). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-calls-for-more-solar-renewables-climate-plan-062513 President Barack Obama (D) announced the White House’s new Climate Action Plan to curb carbon and other pollutants in the air. During a speech announcing the plan he called for more solar and wind power projects to curb the country’s carbon use. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/net-zero-energy-homes-gain-momentum-and-affordability Net zero energy homes are houses that produce more energy than they consume. More people are turning to these energy efficient homes, as builders strive to design these green homes at market prices. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/campbell-county-TN-schools-generate-1m-solar-06-24-13 Public schools in Campbell County, Tenn., are going solar in a bid to make $960,000 over 20 years, without raising any additional taxes. That’s under a new partnership with residential and commercial solar installer Efficient Energy of Tennessee. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/recent-advances-in-battery-technology During the last several months a number of new battery technologies have been proposed by different research institutions, from developing a better lithium ion battery to help give EVs a broader range. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/financing-commercial-solar-the-basics-(part-1) In Part 1 of Financing Commercial Solar, we examine the pros and cons of cash purchases and loans. Stay tuned for Part 2, which discusses Power Purchase Agreements. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-energy-with-a-side-of-wind Hybrid wind and solar energy systems complement each other's peak energy production and can help maintain power if the energy grid fails. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/massachusetts-tops-solar-power-rocks-list-6-21-13 In Solar Power Rocks' State Solar Power Rankings, Massachusetts took the top spot for its solar-friendly policies and incentive system. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-cell-efficiency-levels-what-does-it-mean-for-me The technology breakthroughs that are helping solar cells reach 50 percent efficiency levels are encouraging, but everyday applications are still years away. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/who-are-my-people-challenges-utility-scale-solar-native-american-6-20-13 A new documentary, “Who Are My People?,” is stirring controversy around some of the giant, utility-scale solar projects that are emerging in the southwest U.S. desert. The film examines these projects through the eyes of Native Americans. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/permitting-solar-project-check-SolarPermit-6-19-13 Clean Power Finance received a $3 million grant to launch SolarPermit.org, which hosts information about the permitting process in localities across the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/street-charge-keeping-your-mobile-juiced-sun-6-17-13 Goal Zero partnered with AT&T and design studio Pensa to develop Street Charge, a solar-powered mobile device charger that the partners began deploying in 25 locations in the Big Apple today. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Google-Project-Loon-Makes-Cloud-Real-Solar-Power-Balloons-6-17-13 Google puts the Internet in the sky with balloons to keep the antennas aloft, and solar panels to provide power. The Internet giant has launched a series of these prototype Internet stations 12 miles high in New Zealand. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/student-teams-rev-up-for-solar-grand-prix Student teams are preparing to race their solar cars, powered only by the Texas sun, in this year’s Formula Sun Grand Prix in Austin, Texas starting on June 24. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Cool-Earth-Solar-Testing-Tubular-Plastic-CPV-6-14-13 It’s a new turn on concentrating photovoltaics (CPV). Cool Earth Solar’s inflated, tubular CPV system encases PV cells in a a lightweight tube of thin plastic films, which concentrates the sun on them, and makes them look like a float for a pool. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SunRun-Utilities-Pick-up-Phone-Innovate-Rooftop-Solar-6-14-13 Like rooftop solar, distributed (small-scale) solar continues to become cheaper for home and business owners. As utilities grow increasingly worried, SunRun CEO Ed Fenster says utilities should take a page from telecom and innovate. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/New-Conergy-Solar-Installations-Reach-Grid-Parity-New-Mexico-6-13-13 Conergy says it's now installing solar projects in New Mexico at parity with the grid. Through its global Start It! campaign, which focuses on installing PV projects at parity with grid-based electricity, the company is installing 1.2 megawatts of solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Growing-PV-Materials-Demand-Latest-Market-Recovery-6-13-13 Lux Research anticipates the market for PV materials will grow to $27.2 billion by 2015. That’s a 52 percent increase in spending over last year. The anticipated increase in materials spending shows that solar manufacturing is growing. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-energys-role-in-crisis-situations Solar energy is ideal in crisis situations, with off-grid generators to provide power when the grid fails. Severe weather is also causing residential PV owners to consider storage options so they can have power when disaster strikes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SolarCity-Offers-Homebuilders-Install-Solar-For-Free-6-12-13 SolarCity will finance the arrays on new homes with no up-front costs for the homebuilders, or even to the homebuyer. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Bosch-Develops-Safer-PV-Technology-6-12-13 PV modules can pose a shock hazard. PV makers are aware and are designing systems to be as resilient as possible, but thus far, there are few if any PV modules that are designed to stop operating when they detect an event. Bosch thinks it has a fix. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/LAs-FiT-Under-New-Mayor-Ratepayer-Advocate-Reservations-6-11-13 Los Angeles’ popular Green LA solar feed-in tariff program, which already aims to install 150 megawatts of PV on Los Angeles’ commercial rooftops and parking structures. However, the city’s incoming Mayor Eric Garcetti aims to expand it to 1.2 GW Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Already-Record-Breaking-Year-for-Solar-6-11-13 The US has smashed past the previous record for solar installations in the first quarter of the year, installing 723 megawatts of new photovoltaics in the first quarter of 2013. In fact only three quarters in the US have seen higher installation rates. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/California-Utility-Solar-Now-Over-2100-MWs-6-10-13 California’s utility-scale solar installations—including concentrating solar power and photovoltaics—pumped more than 2.1 gigawatts of electricity to the grid for the first time today. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Big-Apple-Anticipates-Solar-Explosion-2013-6-10-13 Thanks to solar’s resiliency, falling prices and capacity for helping out in disasters, New York is anticipating more solar installed in 2013 than ever before in the Empire state and in New York City. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/thinking-outside-the-rooftop If a rooftop solar installation isn't feasible, think outside the rooftop. There are other creative and aesthetically-pleasing options for installing solar on your home or business. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SRECs-Good-Way-Incentivize-Solar-or-Boom-Bust-6-7-13 Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) are used in a number of US states. But the question is: Does the US need higher SREC requirements and more markets, or are SRECs creating boom and bust cycles? Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/CAUSE-Amps-up-Net-Metering-Flowing-6-7-13 CAUSE is increasing efforts to support clean energy. The organization joined the American Lung Association to petition the California Energy Commission (CEC) to study the air and economic benefits the state’s net-metering policy offers to California. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/HOAs-Get-Help-With-Solar-From-New-Guide-6-6-13 Love ‘em or hate ‘em homeowner associations HOAs can either help or hinder solar. Now The Solar Foundation and the SunShot Initiative’s Solar Outreach Partnership have introduced a new guide for HOAs to encourage responsible solar installations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/full-scholarships-for-solar-energy-training-offered-to-military-personnel U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and marine personnel who are interested in solar energy can receive full tuition assistance for renewable energy career training from Solar Energy International (SEI). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/San-Diego-Events-Get-Free-Electricity-Thanks-Sun-6-6-13 Starting this weekend Stellar Solar’s Mobile Solar Station will start powering events throughout San Diego County this weekend—for free! Already three events—Encinitas Environment Day, KPRi Green Flash Concert, Summer Fun on the 101—will use it. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/China-PV-Makers-Slapped-EU-Tariffs-China-Wines-6-5-13 The European Union decided to impose provisional anti-dumping tariffs of nearly 50 percent on Chinese photovoltaic solar modules. But there’s a silver lining for Chinese PV manufacturers, they have until August to curb their anti-competitive practices. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-on-20-Percent-New-Homes-California-2013-6-5-13 SunPower prepares to install its 10,000th residential system, the company says that it anticipates that solar will be on 20 percent of all new homes built in California this year. That’s based on recent trends, like the doubling of solar on new homes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/does-quality-sell After a New York Times article discusses solar installations that have high failure rates, many people are left wondering whether or not quality solar panels sell. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ikea-completes-final-us-solar-project-continues-path-toward-energy-independence IKEA completed its 39th and final solar project on its Charlotte, N.C. store, making progress towards its goal of energy independence by 2020. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-Impulse-Lands-in-Hurricane-Alley-6-4-13 Solar Impulse—the purely solar PV-powered plane—has landed in St. Louis, Missouri; the ravaged heart of tornado alley. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Ford-Buying-3MWs-of-Mexican-PV-Project-6-4-13 Ford Motor Co. signed an agreement with Sonora80M to purchase 3 megawatts of one of the largest PV farms being built in Mexico, Sonora80M’s 20 megawatt PV farm in Hermosillo in the Mexican state of Sonora, where the company produces hybrids and EVs Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Palo-Alto-Streamlines-Permitting-Process-Solar-6-3-13 Palo Alto is making it easier than ever for residents of the California city to go solar. Besides launching a feed-in tariff last year to support the expansion of rooftop solar, it's now streamlined PV permitting for residential and commercial solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/US-PV-Market-4GWs-2013-5GWs-2014 The amount of solar installed in the U.S. in 2013 will blow past previous growth records. The newest issue of report anticipates that 4.3 gigawatts of PV will be installed in the U.S. in 2013. That’s more than the 3.49 GWs in 2012. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-panels-and-fire-risk While the St. Louis fire department chief said the solar panels installed on Webster Grove High School could have caused the school fire, the reality is that there is a very low risk of fire actually beginning in solar panels themselves. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/PSEG-Solar-Plans-Reinvigorates-Solar-NJ-5-31-13 New Jersey’s utilities board approved Public Service Electric and Gas Company’s solar expansion proposals. Under the approval PSE&G will allocate a significant amount of the $447 million it plans to spend on solar to support $193 million in small PV. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Agrion-Partners-Launch-Solar-Financing-Task-Force-5-31-13 A group of business and industry leaders are coming together to create a task force with Agrion to help reduce the cost of financing for smaller solar arrays, like those on homes and businesses. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/planetsolar-breaks-world-record-cleans-up-ocean-trash On May 18, PlanetSolar broke its own world for solar-powered transatlantic crossing by four days. The ship traveled almost 2,870 miles in 22 days, 12 hours and 32 minutes. This summer, it will head to Europe to participate in a waste collection campaign. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/PowerOptions-Massachusetts-Solar-5-30-13 PowerOptions, a power-purchasing consortium in Massachusetts has partnered with third-party ownership and installing giant SunEdison to offer its nonprofit customers a solar option for the first time. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Kansas-City-Goes-Solar-80-Buildings-5-29-13 Kansas City recently signed agreements to install PV at 80 of its buildings, which will make it one of the most solar friendly cities in the Midwest. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/selecting-the-size-of-your-solar-pv-system There are many factors to consider when choosing the size of your solar PV system: the cost-per-kwh, your panel efficiency depending on your sunlight exposure, your state's net-metering capacity requirements, and the amount of energy to offset. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/US-Most-Attractive-Market-Renewables-5-29-13 The US is again the most attractive place in world for renewable energy, supplanting China, which held the top spot in 2012’s index. The annual report ranks 40 of the most active countries for renewables based on a number of factors. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Army-Marches-Forward-Solar-Renewable-Energy-5-29-13 The US Army is getting big on green—on more than just its green uniforms. The Department of Defense unit recently issued (May 22) its “Net Zero Progress Report”, an update on the Army’s efforts to produce as much energy as it uses on site. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Soitec-Debuts-4-Junction-PV-Cell-5-28-13 The theoretical efficiency limit of a conventional silicon-based photovoltaic cell is 33.7 percent. However, Soitec says its new cell, which debuted at 43.6 percent efficiency, could reach efficiency levels of 50 percent under concentration. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/NJ-Utilities-Board-Vote-PSEGs-447M-Solar-5-28-13 Under a proposal from New Jersey’s largest utility, Public Service Gas & Electric (PSE&G), it could invest an additional $447 million to expand its use of solar in the state. With much of the investment taking place on landfills, brownfields and other Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Ivanpah-Steams-Ahead-5-27-13 The giant Ivanpah solar electric generating system (SEGS) in the California desert is more than 92 percent complete as BrightSource continues construction on the behemoth concentrating solar power (CSP) system, which generates electricity via steam. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/North-Carolina-fights-anti-solar-bills-5-27-13 Solar and renewable energy standards in general have come under increasing attack in the past year. Few places have seen such vicious attacks as North Carolina, where Republican legislators pushed legislation forward through committees. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Tribes-go-Solar-With-DOE-5-24-13 The DOE will help three Native American tribes go solar this year through its START program. The effort is part of a larger undertaking to bring renewable energy technologies to tribes, who often lack access to grid-supplied electricity. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-energy-can-save-soldiers-lives The use of solar power on battlefields can save soldiers’ lives by reducing the need for fuel resupply missions and reducing the chance of enemy attacks on fuel convoys. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Low-Income-Residents-Harrisonburg-get-Solar-Makeover-5-24-13 Earlier this week the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Secure Futures, LLC, said they partnered to install a 34 kilowatt solar photovoltaic array at the Polly Lineweaver low-income housing apartment owned by the city. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-PV-Market-Recovering-2015-Booming-2018-Lux-5-23-13 Solar photovoltaic manufacturers must be starting to breathe again. A growing body of evidence shows that the tide is changing. Case in point, a new report from Lux Research anticipates that the solar market will recover by 2015 and grow to $155 billion. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Home-Solar-Installations-Massachusetts-Quadruple-Two-Years-5-23-13 Homeowners in Massachusetts are going solar in a big way. The commonwealth’s solar market is moving along at a good clip and the state’s already looking at its renewable energy goals in the rear-view mirror as it drives for more. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Xcel-Tackles-Beetle-Kill-Trees-Colorado-Biogas-5-22-13 Colorado’s pine and spruce forests are being devastated by beetles that bore under their bark, reproducing and spreading tree-killing fungi offering ready fuel for wildfires—or perhaps electricity. That’s the aim of a new pilot project announced by Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Starwood-Starts-Solar-Evolution-Virgin-Islands-5-22-13 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., which owns over 1,100 high-end hotels and resorts including the W, Sheraton and Westin brands, has partnered with NRG Energy to install solar. Already, NRG will install nearly 3 megawatts of PV at three locations Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/gms-commitment-to-solar-going-strong Across the globe, GM has already installed 37 MW of solar, and plans to reach 60 MW by 2015. After joining the SEIA in February, the auto manufacturer's commitment to solar is stronger than ever before. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SunRun-VP-Net-Metering-Attacks-Rooftop-Solar-Fighting-5-21-13 Rooftop solar is taking off across the US, and it’s starting to scare the utilities. SunRun Vice President Bryan Miller discusses with SolarReviews how and why utilities feel threatened by net-metering and distributed generation policies. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/US-EU-China-Solar-PV-Trade-Disputes-5-21-13 The US Department of Commerce imposed antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese silicon photovoltaic imports. The EU is on the eve of establishing tariffs on Chinese imports, China, the EU and the US are working together to avoid further disputes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Brazil-Prepares-2014-World-Cup-7-Solar-Stadiums-5-20-13 As soccer-loving Brazil preps for hosting FIFA’s World Cup in 2014 at least seven of its stadiums are incorporating solar arrays to provide on-site power generation for one of the world’s largest sporting events. At least two were recently completed. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/GMP-NRG-to-develop-Community-Solar-Rutland-5-20-13 Green Mountain Power (GMP) and NRG Residential Solar Solutions have announced a new partnership to develop two community solar projects in Rutland, Vermont. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lake-skinner-swells-with-solar-powered-boats-during-annual-solar-cup Students from Southern California high schools compete in the nation's largest solar-powered boat competition. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Permitting-Processes-can-Reduce-home-solar-Costs-5-17-13 A report released by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) looks at how the permitting process can impact the costs and time it takes to install solar. The report shows that city-level permitting processes can impact on solar costs. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/beyond-electricity-photovoltaics-harvest-sun-and-rain Rooftop solar photovoltaics go a step beyond electricity, offering a means for collecting rainwater. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-Energy-Experts-Praise-Confirmation-Moniz-Energy-Secretary-5-17-13 The U.S. Senate confirmed his replacement, Professor Ernest Moniz, a former Energy Department undersecretary Ernest Moniz, who has led MIT’s Energy Initiative. The unanimous confirmation vote Senate shows bipartisan support for DOE. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/tapping-las-solar-potential Los Angeles has tremendous, untapped potential for solar growth; the rooftops in LA alone could support some 5,500 MW of solar power. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/increasing-solar-efficiency-new-solar-technology-on-the-horizon New technology may increase the efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SolarCity-Goldman-Sachs-Launch-500M-Fund-Rooftop-Solar-5-16-13 SolarCity and Goldman Sachs have upped the game, with a new record for rooftop solar financing. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/San-Antonio-Solar-Fans-Delay-SunCredit-5-16-13 The name SunCredit sounds like it should be a solar-friendly policy. But sun-loving denizens of San Antonio, Texas, apparently weren’t happy with it and, led by Solar San Antonio, forced the local utility CPS Energy to shelve the controversial program. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Marthas-Vineyard-Cape-Cod-Going-Solar-5-15-13 Rockland Capital has raised $120 million in financing to support solar installations in nine towns along Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. The financing will allow Broadway Electrical to install more than 37 megawatts of solar projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Earl-Solar-Wanderlust-Hiker-Technophile-5-15-13 There’s no shortage of solar chargers for hikers or adventurers, but a new crowdfunding campaign is supporting a new tablet designed specifically for outdoors adventure and it’s got solar baked in. This is Earl, a backcounty survival tablet. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-energy-spills-cause-impressive-light-shows As opposed to oil spills and nuclear accidents, the worst consequence of a solar energy spill is radio interference—and an impressive display of the Northern lights. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Massachusetts-Towns-Lower-Costs-With-PV-5-14-13 By this summer at least three town governments in Massachusetts will be getting cheaper electric old landfills as stinky eyesores to money savers since they’ve decided to convert them to photovoltaic farms. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SolarCity-Reports-First-Ever-First-Quarter-5-14-13 SolarCity reported its first-ever first quarter earnings report since becoming publicly traded in late 2012. Overall, the company had a net loss of $31 million on $30 million in revenue for the quarter, produced a loss per share of 41 cents. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-installers-fight-IOU-with-TASC-5-13-13 The attacks on net-metering and other provisions that make it easier for home and business owners are increasing. To push back against this a group of solar rooftop installers have come together as The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC). Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Rates-Keep-Solar-Going-After-Incentives-End-5-13-13 A new GTM Research white paper looks around the corner to discuss how the market is changing and how rate structures can help ensure that the solar industry doesn’t disappear when today’s incentive programs do. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/fracking-and-solar-friends-foes-or-the-bridge-to-clean-energy-adoption Fracking has been widely criticized by environmentalists for its water pollution and methane leakage. But some clean energy experts say fracking is a bridge to our clean energy future, and even essential to the widespread adoption of renewable energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SolarStrong-Takes-24MWs-Hawaii-5-10-13 SolarStrong, a $1 billion partnership between SolarCity, Bank of America Merrill Lynch to build out 300 megawatts of solar photovoltaics at military housing across the U.S. broke ground on its largest project to date Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-under-assault-Louisiana-5-10-13 Lousiaana HB 705 would phase out the state’s solar and wind tax credits by 2020 has moved forward. While that bill might make some sense, other bills, like a bill to eliminate tax credits immediately seem to be drastic measures that would gut solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Silicon-Wafers-PV-to-Grow-2013-5-9-13 Silicon wafer manufacturers are increasing production by 19 percent in 2013 compared to last year. The anticipated growth is coming even though a glut in PV modules still exists. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SolarCity-Sues-Treasury-Over-1603-Payments-5-9-13 SolarCity Alleges Treasury Paying Less Than Promised Following Demise of 1603 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Large-Solar-Cost-Competitive-Oregon-5-8-13 The new VISOR “Vision to Integrate Solar in Oregon” report finds that large-scale solar installations are now cost competitive with some other forms of energy, like fossil fuel. But the report also points out that significant market barriers remain. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Admirals-Bank-Expands-Support-Solar-New-Lending-Solarize-5-8-13 Based on the success of last year, the Boston, Mass.-based Admirals Bank is participating in both Solarize Connecticut and Solarize Massachusetts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/electric-utilities-if-you-cant-beat-renewables-join-them Customer-owned distributed solar power is changing the utility model. As a result, some utility experts predict the demise of electric utilities. But if utility companies can't beat clean energy, why not join them? Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/San-Antonio-Get-a-Nearly-Free-PV-system-5-7-13 Solar San Antonio, a local solar advocacy organization operating in and near San Antonio, Texas, is raffling off a 4.8 kilowatt solar photovoltaic array. The organization is raffling off 250, $75 tickets for a PV array valued at $16,500. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/First-Solar-1Q-2013-results-underwhelm-5-7-13 First Solar reported its results for the first quarter of 2013 yesterday (May 6) and while the company’s results were positive with diluted earnings per share of 66 cents, the results did not live up to the company’s bullish guidance issued in April. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-Could-Upend-Major-California-Utility-5-6-13 Based on the falling costs of solar and rising electric prices, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), one of the largest utilities in the country, which serves northern California, may not be able to compete with residential solar soon. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/benefits-of-grid-tied-and-off-grid-solar-power-systems When going solar, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of grid-tied solar power systems and off-grid systems, in order to select the solar power option that is right for you. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:31 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Anti-Solar-Bill-North-Carolina-Moves-Forward-5-6-13 A contested bill in North Carolina that would repeal the state’s renewable portfolio standard is moving forward despite what appeared to be committee that voted against it. The bill was moved out of the Senate Finance Committee by Bill Rabon and Bob Ruc Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-A-Top-10-Disruptive-Technology-5-3-13 In a forthcoming report Citigroup is naming what it’s calling the top 10 disruptive technologies. This year solar makes the list for its “Moore's-law-esque cost decline rate.” Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SunPower-First-Quarter-Outshines-5-3-13 SunPower’s first quarter 2013 results were much better than expected. The company's $635 million in revenue for the first quarter far surpassed its revenue of $494.1 million in the first quarter of 2012. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/contaminated-lands-become-more-attractive-for-solar-projects The EPA's Re-Powering America's Lands initiative has resulted in 217 megawatts of clean energy on landfills and brownfield sites. The proposed 2,700 megawatt Westlands Solar Park in California hopes to be constructed on contaminated land in California. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Massachusetts-Passes-Solar-Goalssets-new-ones-5-2-13 Massachusetts now has 250 megawatts of solar energy installed, according to Gov. Deval Patrick. It’s a significant number for such a small state, particularly a northeastern one, and even more significant because it reached its goal—four years early! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Bill-Expanding-Renewables-Rural-Colorado-Awaits-Governor-Signature-5-2-13 Colorado’s set to expand the amount of renewable energy in the state once again now that Colorado Senate Bill 252 passed Colorado’s House of Representatives. The bill passed through the House and Senate—it now heads to Gov. John Hickenlooper’s (D) Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Amonix-Pushes-CPV-Efficiency-Record-Higher-5-1-13 Amonix, which makes concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems, has once again broke a world record for real world efficiency testing. In real-world testing the company’s latest CPV technology reached a peak conversion efficiency of 36.2 percent at NREL Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Boulder-first-community-solar-project-up-5-1-13 Clean Energy Collective’s 500 kilowatt community solar garden, the Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array in South Boulder County, CO, is now switched on and providing energy for its subscribers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solar-Incentives-Popularity-Colorado-Brings-Xcel-SEIA-COSEIA-Together Xcel's SolarRewards program for small solar systems is fully subscribed for 2013. Xcel's working with SEIA and COSEIA to expand it through the rest of the year and into 2014. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Verizon-adds-solar-and-fuel-cells-to-power-mix-4-30-13 Verizon will add in more than 10 megawatts of solar photovoltaics (PVs) and fuel cells to its energy mix at 19 locations across the US, by the end of 2013. The effort is part of the company’s work to add more green energy to its operations. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/colored-solar-panels-address-concerns-of-aesthetics-historic-preservation Colored PV solar panels made in Ventura, California perform between 15 and 16 percent efficiency with textured designs to blend into hillsides and a variety of rooftop shingles. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Report-Anticipates-220-Gigawatts-Distributed-Solar-by-2018-4-29-13 A recent Navigant Research report anticipates that the world will add 220 new gigawatts of distributed solar photovoltaics by 2018 as solar comes into parity with other energy sources, creating $540.3 billion in revenue in the process. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/First-megawatt-AVSP-worlds-largest-installed SolarPower, MidAmerican Renewables and Southern California Edison held a ground-breaking ceremony this past Friday (April 26) for the Antelope Valley Solar Projects in California. Together they comprise 579 megawatts, the world's largest PV projects. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/ferc-says-solar-protects-grid-from-attack Jon Wellinghoff, chairman of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proclaims that the growing adoption of distributed power generation (DG) — like rooftop solar — is making the grid more resilient against terrorist attacks. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/IBM-concentrating-solar-desalinization-Swiss-4-26-13 IBM partnered with Airlight Energy, ETH Zurich and Interstate University of Applied Sciences Buchs NTB. The group recently won a three-year, $2.4 million grant to develop low-cost high-concentration photovoltaic thermal (HCPVT) systems. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Mosaic-Solar-Project-Funds-From-Golden-State-Garden-State-4-26-13 Mosaic launched its biggest public solar investment opportunity yet. It opened up a nearly $700,000 round of financing to Californians to support its 487 kilowatt project at the Wildwoods Convention Center in Wildwood, NJ. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Walmart-expand-solar-wind-bottom-line-4-25-13 Walmart cashed in on Earth Day when it released its global responsibility report following on the announcement last week that the company would increase it’s procurement or production of renewable energy to 7 billion kilowatt hours annually by 2020. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Google-Cisco-Coolest-IT-Companies-Greenpeace-4-25-13 Greenpeace unveiled its sixth Cool IT Leaderboard. It evaluates companies based on their efforts to reduce climate change both within their own power and by using their influence to advocate for clean energy like solar, wind and more. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Google-New-Way-Buy-Clean-Energy-Expands-NC-Facility-4-24-13 Google introduced a new white paper on establishing renewable energy tariffs for large businesses, it also announced plans to expand its Lenoir, NC, datacenter, where it is working with Duke Energy to put the first such tariff in place. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/SunEdison-Foxconn-Manufacture-PV-Mexico-4-24-13 SunEdison, one of the companies that sparked the third-party ownership revolution with businesses, announced yesterday that it partnered with Foxconn Technology to produce photovoltaics (PV) in Juarez, Mexico. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Coal-to-Clean-Energy-March-Highlights-New-Solar-Plant-on-Tribal-Land Native American tribe marches 16 miles on Earth Day to raise awareness for the solar energy plant that will replace the current coal-fired power plant that has plagued their community for nearly 50 years. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/NYC-Solar-Rooftop-Growth-Explosion-4-23-13 By the end of 2012, the amount of rooftop solar photovoltaic installations in New York City had boomed to 14 megawatts from 5.5 megawatts at the end of 2011—an increase of 8.5 megawatts in a year. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/EPA-Updates-Top-50-Green-Energy-Users-4-23-13 Every year more and more businesses are using solar, wind and other green energy sources to offset their carbon footprint as much as possible, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership Top 50 list, updated last week. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Woodchuck-Solar-Orchard-4-22-13 Vermont Hard Cider Company’s new solar orchard, features 26 of AllEarth Renewable’s AllSun Trackers. The roughly 147 kilowatt array will allow Woodchuck to source around 40 percent of its overall energy use from a number of renewable sources. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Denver-Earth-Day-Perfectly-Soggy-4-22-13 A string of late snowstorms prompted Denver’s Earth Day Fair to move indoors, and featured a bustling smorgasbord of visitors and exhibitors ranging from solar-powered, locally owned food trucks. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/hoas-fight-solar-and-homeowners-fight-back Across the nation, HOAs are fighting solar on the grounds of aesthetics, and even suing homeowners for installing solar and forcing them to remove their systems. New laws are now limiting the HOAs' power to prohibit residential solar. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Boulder-EnergySmart-helps-10000-residents-reduce-electric-4-19-13 One of the best ways to go solar for less is by first reducing energy use. That’s the thinking behind the successful EnergySmart program in Boulder County, CO, which earlier this week, which announced that it has enrolled 10,000 residential customers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/anonymous-donors-fund-solar-projects-across-the-U.S. 'Solar fairies' anonymously fund solar projects at K-12 schools, universities and municipalities across the nation. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/New-Map-Shows-Solar-Jobs-Growing-4-18-13 Thanks to The Solar Foundation (TSF) people can now learn more about the solar industry in the their backyard. Today (April 18) TSF introduced a new interactive map that showcases the nearly 120,000 jobs in the US’s booming solar industry in 2012. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/uss-solar-decathlon-readies-for-its-first-road-trip-4-17-13 The world’s first Solar Decathlon was held in Washington, DC, on the National Mall, nation’s front yard, in 2002. Now the US Solar Decathlon is taking its first road trip, landing in Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/kiva-makes-microfinancing-for-solar-energy-available-in-developing-nations-4-16-13 Kiva is increasing its support of renewable energy microfinance programs where people can invest as little as $25 to support citizens in some of the 67 countries that the nonprofit serves. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/mandate-requires-solar-on-new-homes-could-expedite-nationwide-adoption Solar systems will be required on new single-family homes in Lancaster, California starting in January of 2014. The mandate could help accelerate the adoption of solar energy across the U.S. if more cities follow suit. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/national-parks-turn-to-the-sun-for-power-needs-4-15-13 An increasing number of America's national parks are looking to the sun to provide their electricity, and as park budgets get tighter, more may consider the long-term energy cost protection that solar offers over other energy sources. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/investing-in-solar-trumps-home-improvements-buying-a-car A survey of Massachusetts homeowners revealed that 70 percent believe solar is a better investment than home improvements and buying a car. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/march-milestone-for-solar-energy For the first time ever, solar accounted for all new utility electricity capacity added to the U.S. grid during the month of March. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/the-higher-power-of-solar-(houses-of-worship-increasingly-turn-to-solar)-4-12-13 Across the US, a growing number of houses of worship are putting their faith in the sun and going solar. Most recently Solis Partners in New Jersey finished a 77 kilowatt PV array on Our Lady of Good Counsel. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/obama-budget-proposal-calls-for-nearly-1b-in-clean-energy-spending-4-11-13 President Barack Obama sent his proposed budget for the fiscal year 2014. In it he called for nearly $1 billion ($989 million) in spending to support deployment and long-term development in the clean energy industries. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/what-will-it-take-for-solar-power-to-become-mainstream Solar energy is on the brink of a mainstream breakthrough. But what will it ultimately take to catapult solar from an alternative energy source into the mainstream energy sector? Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrel-building-confidence-in-solar-pv-with-new-database-4-10-13 NREL has introduced the Open Solar Performance and Reliability Clearinghouse (O-SPaRC). The initiative will create an open-source database that shows the real-world performance data from solar facilities across the country. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/the-solar-shakeout-is-the-industry-ready-4-9-13 The past few years have seen some spectacular flameouts in the solar energy industry. Many of these companies were casualties of market glutted with more modules than demand, forcing them to slash prices, but this may also be a turning point. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/clean-power-finance-gets-37-million-to-support-growth-from-edison-international-others-4-8-13 Solar leasing and financing company Clean Power Finance (CPF) announced on April 8 that it closed a $37 million round of investments in the company from new and former investors. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-bill-would-expand-clean-energy-in-rural-colorado-areas A new bill, SB 252, would require some of Colorado’s largest rural cooperatives to obtain 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg-introducing-solar-with-battery-storage-for-homeowners-4-5-13 NRG Residential Solar plans to offer photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery backups, allowing consumers to use their own energy during blackouts—or even at night. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/smart-money-swings-to-storage As conventional solar manufacturers—be they panel (Suntech) or inverter (Satcon)—become less attractive investments, more smart money is moving toward energy storage. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/evs-and-pvs-a-match-made-for-each-other-4-4-13 Interest in electric cars and vehicles, often called EVs is growing as is interest in solar and photovoltaics for homeowners, and at least two recent studies show that an owner of one is more likely to become an owner of the other to reduce fuel use. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-companies-focus-on-customers-first,-technology-second Individuals who are interested in solar energy to lower their electric bills and offset their carbon impact need information they can understand. Smart solar companies are putting customers' needs above the technical jargon. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-and-other-green-industries-form-marketing-partnerships Many companies have started to see how solar power can benefit their businesses in ways beyond simply powering their facilities. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-moves-forward-with-asi-to-add-210-mws-of-solar-4-3-13 Georgia’s rural homes and businesses have a better opportunity than ever before to install photovoltaics. The whole Peach State is starting to realize the importance of solar as shown by the rapid fulfillment of the Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiati Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/we-want-more-solar-say-overwhelming-number-of-us-residents-in-gallup-poll A new poll by Gallup finds that across the US more citizens want more emphasis on domestically produced solar, wind and natural-gas fired electricity. Guess which option was the most popular—solar, by an overwhelming 76 percent. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/new-york-installing-solar-at-a-rapid-pace-4-1-13 Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces $46 million for solar photovoltaic projects. The awards support 76 solar photovoltaic projects totaling 52 megawatts of new solar power in the state. The awards were made through the NY-Sun Competitive PV Program Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solarcity-will-install-solar-systems-at-22-walgreens-stores-across-colorado Walgreens and SolarCity will join forces to install solar systems at 22 drugstores across Colorado, the equivalent of planting more than 25,000 trees over the next two decades. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/saving-teachers-jobs-one-solar-panel-at-a-time As teachers' jobs are in jeopardy and classroom sizes increase, school districts are looking for creative ways to tackle budget cuts. Some schools have turned to solar power, and their future is looking bright. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-antonio-gears-up-for-solar-tour-in-april-32913 Solar San Antonio is hosting a solar tour in April. The tour features installations by 15 local solar installers who will showcase a total of 18 installations in the greater San Antonio area. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/on-a-wing-and-a-ray,-solar-impulse-prepares-to-fly-across-us-on-pv-alone-3-28-13 Solar Impulse, the first manned airplane to fly 24 hours on solar power alone, and to make a multi-national journey, has met the press in the US as it prepares to fly across the U.S. in May. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-powered-zoos-gain-popularity,-increase-solar-visibility As more organizations realize the benefits of solar energy, they're finding creative ways to incorporate solar systems into their infrastructure—even among lions, elephants and giraffes. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/monarch-power-introduces-solar-flower-power-with-lotus-mobile-pv-system Photovoltaics mimic photosynthesis in a way by making power from the sun, so why shouldn’t they imitate the forms they borrowed their purpose from—plants. That may by the thinking behind Monarch Power’s new Lotus Mobile photovoltaic (PV) solar array Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power-will-surpass-wind-coal-to-become-second-highest-in-nation By the end of 2013, solar power is expected to add more electricity to the U.S. grid than all other power sources except natural gas Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/nrg-brings-solar-to-rooftops NRG Energy, which is building some of the largest solar power plants in the world in the U.S., is also looking at solar on a much smaller scale. Rather quietly last year, the company started offering residential leasing systems in a number of markets Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/georgia-legislature-introduces-late-bill-to-allow-solar-leases,-ppas Georgia’s legislature introduced a new bill, HB 657, The Rural Georgia Economic Recovery and Solar Resource Act of 2013 on Friday. The bill would allow third-party ownership of solar in the Peach State. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/how-things-fail-(part-2):-a-commercial-disaster-waiting-to-happen Part 2 of 'How Things Fail' discusses great-looking commercial solar power system that is actually a disaster waiting to happen. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/lakewood-becomes-latest-community-to-achieve-solar-friendly-community-status A quickly growing number of cities along Colorado’s Front Range are attaining the status of “Solar Friendly Community.” The most recent is Lakewood, which achieved the silver-level certification. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/san-rafael-leads-three-counties-in-solar-group-purchasing-project San Rafael’s City Council unanimously decided to become the lead agency for a three-county group-purchasing project, allowing Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties to obtain discounts on solar for municipal buildings. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/does-the-recent-price-increase-in-pv-solar-panels-indicate-a-reversing-trend Despite its growing market, the solar panel industry experienced its first price increase since 2010, leaving consumers to wonder if this is an indication of things to come. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/three-states-now-have-more-than-1-gigawatt-of-solar-installed In 2012 according to the recent U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year-in-Review 2012, California installed 1,033 megawatts of solar, surpassing the 1 gigawatt mark. Not far behind were Arizona with 710 new megawatts and New Jersey with 415 new megawatts. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-reaching-parity-with-other-energy-sources-say-new-reports Over the past few weeks, several prominent organizations around the world have issued reports determining that solar is becoming an increasingly competitive energy source and is coming into parity (cost-equality) with other forms of electric generation. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/Solars-Momentum-Faces-Opposition-from-Fossil-Fueled-Legislation From 2011 to 2012, the US experienced a 76% growth in both photovoltaic and concentrating solar power (CSP) for a total of 3.3 gigawatts of installed solar capacity. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/how-things-fail-(part-1) Every now and then we see startling examples of how things can fail when things are done wrong. Sometimes it takes a windstorm to reveal how things fail – sometimes with truly catastrophic consequences. But other times the failures might be more subtle Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/information-and-education-about-the-rebates-for-solar-energy The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a personal tax credit of 30 percent of the costs of consumer energy efficiency products, including solar energy systems, on principal residences, second homes, and businesses through 2016. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/why-is-solar-power-production-higher-in-the-summertime It might seem obvious, but summertime means that solar power production will likely increase. You may think that this is because a hot, sunny climate is the ideal place for solar panels, but that equation is only half correct. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/calculating-how-much-your-solar-power-system-is-saving-you-each-quarter Solar Installers get a lot of calls from consumers who are unsure how to work out how much their solar power system is saving them. This article offers tips on how to best calculate the amount of cost savings generated by your solar power system. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/the-best-type-of-solar-panels-to-use-in-your-home Learn a few tips about how to choose the best brand of solar panels for your home. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/how-the-weather-affects-solar-panel-performance Can your solar panels survive the snow, hail, rain and fog? Get the facts on SolarReviews. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/six-reasons-why-diy-solar-is-not-recommended DIY solar may seem like a great, cost effective way to go, but here are six reasons why you shouldn't go that route along with recommended next steps! Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/solar-power:-a-new-standard-of-living Is solar power the new standard way of living? Read more on how solar power makes a difference. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/100-gw-of-solar-pv-now-installed-in-the-world-today Cumulative global installed solar PV capacity has topped the 100 GW milestone. Read more to see stats on the adoption of solar worldwide. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/paperwork-a-drag-on-the-adoption-of-home-solar-power-systems By lowering the burden of regulation, which keeps the cost of solar installations artificially high, the solar industry can continue to expand… Read more. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/home-solar-power-systems-offer-great-returns-when-analyzed-properly Learn how to properly analyze and calculate your return when investing in a home solar power system. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/germany-has-more-solar-power-because-everyone-wins The real reason Germany dominates in solar (and wind) is their commitment to democratizing energy. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/is-solar-power-a-dying-industry The cost of solar panels continues to fall, while incentives and financing options make solar power easier and more affordable for consumers. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT https://www.solarreviews.com/news/baffling-reaction-to-buffets-big-solar-buy As posted on SolarReviews Facebook page, Warren Buffet recently announced that his company would be investing $2.5 billion on solar projects in the U.S. Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:46:30 PDT