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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Solar Energy Industries Association Names Senator Maria Cantwell 2008 National Solar Energy Champion of the Year
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today announced that U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is the Democratic winner of its 2008 National Solar Energy Champion Award, citing her strong support and leadership on solar energy issues in the U.S. Senate. Senator Cantwell played a leading role in forging the bipartisan compromise that extended the solar investment tax credit (ITC), set to expire at the end of this year, for another eight years.
SEIA President Rhone Resch Highlights Industry Success in Extending Federal Solar Tax Credits, Outlines Ambitious Agenda for 2009
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) president Rhone Resch delivered remarks today at the 5th annual Solar Power International Conference. Resch highlighted the solar industry’s success in passage of an 8-year extension of the 30-percent residential and commercial solar investment tax credit (ITC).
Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended for 8 Years, US Poised to Become Largest Solar Market in the World
Today, by a vote of 263 to 171, the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation that extends the 30-percent federal investment tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations for 8 years.
House Votes to Extend, Improve Solar Tax Credits
House-passed bill would extend federal solar tax credits for 8 years, eliminate $2,000 cap on residential projects, and remove exemptions for utilities and AMT filers
Solar Energy Industries Association Names Senator Gordon Smith as 2008 National Solar Energy Champion of the Year
(Washington, DC) – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today announced that U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) is the Republican winner of its 2008 National Solar Energy Champion Award, citing his strong support and leadership on solar energy-related issues in the U.S. Congress.
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Renewable energy leaders respond to election results
Several renewable energy leaders have voiced their approval over the re-election of President Barack Obama and renewable energy advocates who won races in the House.
The Next Four Years: Voters Re-Elect An 'Important Ally' For Solar
With President Barack Obama now elected to a second term, will the U.S. solar market continue its pace of expansion? Although the solar sector's membership comprises voters with diverse political views, most industry leaders characterize the Obama win as a positive for the continued development of solar projects large and small.
Voters agree on one thing: policies that support solar energy
The best billboard for solar power is a solar panel. People are captivated and inspired by solar panels quietly at work producing clean energy. Last month, Americans saw tens of thousands of these billboards through almost 600 American Solar Energy Society (ASES) tours of homes, municipal buildings and businesses in 38 states, each demonstrating the use of clean, affordable solar power.
Clean-tech's future hinges on election
"If private investors say no to you, and green investors like the people at Google or Al Gore say no to you, and you only have Uncle Sam to turn to, what does that tell you about your project?" said Jerry Taylor, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute libertarian think tank.
U.S. Solar Jobs Outpace Total Economy, Non-Profit Says
The U.S. solar energy industry added jobs at about 5.74 times the rate of the rest of the economy in the 12 months ended in September, according to a report from the Solar Foundation.
