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.
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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.
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.
Colorado's Solar-Power Goal: Grow It Tenfold
Colorado’s solar-power industry is readying a “Million Solar Roofs” campaign to raise the amount of solar power generated in the state to 3,000 megawatts — nearly one-fifth of the state’s electricity use.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Proposes Key Interconnection Rule, SEIA Applauds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) today praised a proposed rule issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that will, if finalized, expedite and reduce the cost of solar project interconnection while maintaining electric system reliability and safety.
Falling Costs Make Sunny Skies for U.S. Solar Industry
As the United States continues a slow climb out of economic difficulty, one industry continues its steady ascent — the solar energy industry. And with more than 224 sunny days last year in San Antonio alone, Texas could play a big role in this ascent now and in the years to come.
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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.
SEIA Statement on United Steel Workers' Petition to U.S. Trade Representative
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement following news that the United Steel Workers union has filed a Section 301 petition asking the U.S. Trade Representative to formally investigate China’s trade practices in the renewable energy sector.
Nevada Now Home to Federal Solar Demonstration Zone
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch today praised U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) for working with U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to select a site for the Solar Demonstration Zone Project. The two agencies chose a site that will take advantage of Nevada's world-class solar resources to highlight the latest innovations in solar technologies while creating clean energy jobs.
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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.
Delving Into The Numbers: Latest Solar Jobs Census Shows Strong Growth
The National Solar Jobs Census, which was just released in its full form by The Solar Foundation (TSF), reveals positive growth once again in solar employment. Several of the business subsectors analyzed posted increases in their job numbers, and all indicators point to further good news in 2013.
