McAuliffe, Dominion Announce New Solar Power Project
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Wednesday plans for the state to buy electricity produced from a proposed Dominion Virginia Power 20-megawatt solar plant, with Microsoft offsetting the extra costs associated with the plan. McAuliffe said at a Capitol news conference that the project will serve as a symbol of Virginia’s embrace of solar power as well as a public-private model for other states looking to boost their renewable energy generation.
Solar Advocates Have Their Eyes On Low Income Communities
Solar power has been criticized for helping the wealthy and punishing the poor. Some groups — largely, it should be noted, utilities and advocacy groups funded by fossil fuel interests — say only affluent people can afford solar, leaving less-affluent people to pay more than their share for the grid. But it turns out that in the battle to transition to a cleaner, more networked grid, low-income communities are the next big front.
Nevada Solar Power Business Struggles To Keep The Lights On
Nevada's home solar business is in turmoil as the state's Public Utilities Commission starts to phase out incentives for homeowners who install rooftop solar panels. Some of the largest solar companies have stopped seeking new business in the state and laid off hundreds of workers. Companies like SolarCity say they were left with no choice but to stop doing business in Nevada when the PUC changed the rules for something called "net metering."
Patagonia To Help Fund Residential Solar Installations
Patagonia has made a name for itself as an environmentally conscious brand, linking the outdoors clothing and gear that it sells with a commitment to taking care of the planet. Now, it is taking that a step further by investing in placing solar panels on more than 1,500 residential rooftops over eight states. Patagonia announced on Thursday that it was working with four other companies to create a $35 million fund to finance the installations.
Facebook Helps Low-Income Belle Haven Families Go Solar
Gloria Williams intentionally sits in darkness at her Belle Haven home, wary of the high electric bill that comes with switching on a light. The 76-year-old has seen energy-saving solar panels pop up on homes near Chilco Street, but it’s a luxury that the retiree hasn’t been able to afford until Facebook and local nonprofits stepped in to help. On Tuesday, Williams placed a hard hat on her head as workers from GRID Alternatives lifted glimmering black solar panels onto the roof of her two-story home.
Whole Foods Plans 100 Rooftop Solar Systems
Things at Whole Foods are about to get even greener. The grocery chain plans to install as many as 100 rooftop solar systems, mainly through the power provider NRG Energy, on nearly a quarter of its stores and distribution centers, the companies said on Tuesday. SolarCity will also provide systems for the grocer, which could expand the rooftop solar program as the installations proceed.
Tradewind Energy Surpassed 2,500 MW Milestone
2015 was a banner year for Tradewind Energy, Inc., one of the largest independent wind and solar project development companies in the United States.
SEIA Solar Newsletter | Feb. 23, 2016
Every week, The SEIA Solar Update includes top news stories covering the solar industry, major upcoming events, policy updates, and much more. This newsletter is open to SEIA Members and to the general public.
Enel Green Power Steps Into Peruvian Market Following Successful Tender Outcome
Enel Green Power has been awarded the right to sign 20-year energy supply contracts with three projects for a total of 326 MW. These projects are the first being awarded to and developed by the company in the country. Enel Green Power will be investing a total of approximately 400 million US dollars in the construction of the awarded renewable capacity.
Phoenix Solar To Build 65MW Nevada Project
PV integrator Phoenix Solar is to build a 65MW project in the US state of Nevada for developer Invenergy. The Luning Solar Energy Project will be built in Mineral Country, Nevada, on public land owned by the US government and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Phoenix Solar will be responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction of the project. Work is scheduled to begin within the next month. The plant will incorporate 1,500V, single-axis tracker and c-Si module technology, according to Phoenix Solar.