Topics - State Solar Policy
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Solar Means Business: Top Commercial Solar Customers in the U.S.
Solar energy is being deployed on a massive scale by the most iconic brands and best-managed companies in the U.S. in order to help lower operating costs and increase profits. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Vote Solar Initiative (Vote Solar) have unveiled a report naming the companies using solar on their facilities in the U.S., ranked by cumulative solar energy capacity.
SEIA Statement: New York Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Promote Solar Energy
WASHINGTON – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today approved legislation allowing solar energy to continue its rapid growth in the state. The package of bills, all related to tax exemption of solar projects in New York, is likely to have a positive impact on the total amount of electricity derived from renewables in the state. The Solar Energy Industries Association ® (SEIA ®) applauded the new laws, which will keep New York’s impressive solar growth on track to achieve its renewable energy goals in the NYSun Program.
The Real Story of Solar Energy
As election season in the U.S. kicks in to high gear, we are already seeing renewable energy – and solar in particular – become a political football for candidates trying to score a few points.
Massachusetts Keeps Solar Power Shining
Today Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the 2012 Energy Act. Among other provisions, this comprehensive energy bill raises the cap on an important solar program called “net metering.” Most solar electric installations are connected to the grid and feed excess power produced to other utility customers; net metering rules gives customers credit for extra power they generate.
Response to Southern California Edison's RAM 3 Advice Letter
On August 1, 2012, SEIA filed response comments to aspects of SCE's proposed modifications to its Renewable Auction Mechanism (RAM) procurement program.
NREL Study on U.S. Renewable Energy Technical Potentials: A GIS-Based Analysis
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) finds that solar has the greatest technical potential capacity of all renewables included in it's recent study.
Governor Christie Signs Legislation to Stabilize New Jersey Solar Market
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) today signed legislation into law that allows the state's solar energy market to continue growing and creating good jobs in N.J. over the next several years. The legislation, S1925/A2966, addresses the current imbalance of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), which created uncertainty in the market for project developers and end users.
SEIA & COSEIA Statement on Colorado PUC Dismissal of Appeal to Revise XCEL Energy’s Renewable Energy Plan
COLORADO—Today the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) dismissed an appeal submitted by the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) and the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) regarding Xcel Energy’s renewable energy compliance plan. The appeal included two requested changes to Xcel’s 2012-2013 Compliance Plan that would have improved the business climate for Colorado solar businesses, which employ more than 6,000 people in the state.
SEIA Comments in PUCT Project No. 40268
On June 15, 2012, SEIA filed comments in PUCT Project No. 40268 addressing ERCOT's long-term resource adequacy issues. SEIA explained that solar is an ideal resource to meet Texas's growing electricity needs because it has a high effective peak capacity value, is quick to market, can be located in a geographically targeted manner, is highly modular and scalable, uses little to no water, and has minimal operating and maintenance costs and no fuel costs. SEIA also requested new pricing mechanisms for solar generation to better monetize solar's unique reliability services and the investor risk mitigation it provides.
SEIA Motion to Intervene in Texas PUC Project No. 40094
On April 13, SEIA, in conjunction with the El Paso Solar Energy Association, filed a motion to intervene in Texas PUC Project No. 40094, an El Paso Electric rate case. As part of the rate case, El Paso Electric has proposed a $2.25 per kW charge for solar customers in its service territory for systems installed after December 31, 2012.