Five years ago, North Carolina became the first state in the Southeast to set a renewable energy and efficiency standard. The 12.5 percent by 2021 standard is a great goal, and we should keep raising the bar.
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SEIA is the solar energy industry’s go-to source for the latest coverage on solar power, including U.S. and international policy, research and polls, business and financing trends, and more. Our staff strives to support the media covering solar energy issues and guide our members on effective media outreach with clear statements, background materials, news and multimedia resources.
SEIA is committed to informing policymakers, the media, and the American public about the benefits of solar energy for today’s communities, our economy, and our country.
Learn more from our statements and industry news below.
FERC's Small Generator Interconnection Procedures (SGIP)
FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update its SGIP. Among several changes, it proposes to modify the Supplemental Review process; making it similar to the California Rule 21 process - a 100% of minimum load screen along with two additional technical screens that evaluate a generators' impact on safety, reliability and power quality. FERC will host an additional workshop and provide an opportunity for written comments on the proposed changes before finalizing the rule.
OHIO PUC Proposes Interconnection Revisions
On January 16, 2013, the Ohio Public Utility Commission staff issued proposed revisions to that state's interconnection procedures for comment. A supplemental review process with a 100% of minimum load penetration screen and two additional technical screens are among the changes proposed. Comments are due later in January with reply comments in February. Read the full text.
SEIA Wins at FERC on Interconnection
In response to a request from SEIA, on January 17, 2013, FERC issued proposed changes to its rules to expedite and reduce the cost of interconnection for wholesale distributed solar generation up to 20 MW. The proposed rule will allow solar projects that meet certain technical screens to qualify for “fast track” interconnection while maintaining electric system reliability and safety. The proposed rule has the potential to double the amount of solar generation eligible for fast track interconnection. Comments to FERC are due in 120 days.
Commission Should Support Solar-Energy Growth
Arizona has the best solar resource in the country. Outside of California, no other state boasts as much installed solar capacity, and Arizona has added thousands of solar jobs in recent years, making solar energy a true homegrown success story.
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SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight Report: Strong US Solar Industry Growth for First Half of 2010
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) and GTM Research today released the inaugural U.S. Solar Market Insight™ report with data for the first half of 2010 showing significant growth in the U.S. solar industry despite the continuing struggles of the overall economy.
For Third Consecutive Year, National Poll Shows More Than 9 out of 10 Americans Want Solar Now
94% of Americans think it is important for the nation to develop and use solar energy. This was consistent across all political party affiliations.
80% of Americans agree that Congress should consider reallocating federal subsidies from fossil fuels to solar.
Over half (51%) the country would choose to work in the solar industry if they were to start working in renewable energy
Nearly half (49%) of Americans considering solar for their home or business plan to make a decision to adopt solar in less than one year
Nearly half (49%) of Americans are willing to pay more for clean, reliable solar energy
SEIA Statement on First Permits for Utility Scale-Solar on Public Lands: DOI Clears Way for Construction of Imperial Valley and Lucerne Valley Solar Projects
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®) president and CEO Rhone Resch today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior gave its "Record of Decision" and "Notice to Proceed" for Tessera Solar's Imperial Valley Solar Project (709 megawatt dish-engine) and Chevron Energy Solutions' Lucerne Valley Solar Project (45 megawatt PV) to begin construction.
Solar Energy Industries Association Statement on Return of Cost-saving Solar Energy to the White House
Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®), released the following statement about today's announcement that the Obama Administration plans to install photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and a solar hot water heater on the roof of the White House.
SEIA Praises President Obama, Congress for Helping Small Business
SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement today after President Obama signed into law legislation that provides support to small businesses. The Job Creation and Tax Cut Act of 2010 extends bonus depreciation to cover all of 2010.
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Solar energy sector lights up in California
Al Jazeera
On a cool autumn day in Oakland, California, the sun shines brightly on the south facing façade of Miya Yoshitani’s office building.
Yoshitani is the Associate Director for the Asian Pacific Environmental Network, an East Bay organisation promoting sustainable and equitable conditions for Asian and Pacific Islanders. "We have a stake in solar too," Yoshitani said. "But want it to happen in an inclusive way that benefits our communities directly."
US: Georgia Power’s solar initiative approved
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved Georgia Power’s Advanced Solar Initiative (GPASI). Overall, the utility aims to acquire 210 MW of solar power over the next two years.
Solar Companies Seek Ways to Build an Oasis of Electricity
When Hurricane Sandy wiped out the power in areas like coastal Long Island and the Jersey Shore, what should have been beacons of hope — hundreds of solar panels glinting from residential rooftops — became symbols of frustration.
Veterans find jobs, and new mission, in cleantech
When military veterans search for jobs, they often want more than a paycheck. Many say they look for rewarding work and a team of dedicated people focused on a common mission.
Building Science: Taking another look at solar hot water
So why solar hot water in the U.S., anyway? Many homeowners have little clue about how their water is heated, its contribution to their energy bill or the alternatives available. Oftentimes, it is an afterthought during a home renovation project, somewhere down on the priority list after choosing the color of the bathroom tile grout. So let’s start with some basic facts.
