From Residential to Utility-Scale, Solar Wins in Recent State-Level Actions

A series of recent state-level actions have been lauded by industry advocates as positive steps for driving deployments of residential, community-scale and utility-scale solar.

22 Solar Projects for New York

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 9 announced that New York has authorized competitive awards under the state’s Clean Energy Standard mandate for 22 utility-scale solar projects. The awards are part of $1.4 billion awarded for a total of 26 renewable energy projects in the state.

10 Significant State Policies for Distributed Solar Energy

California and New Jersey receive frequent coverage for the state policies that have helped them claim and hold onto the first and second spots, respectively, for US solar energy installations.

But there are other state programs worthy of emulation especially as smaller residential and commercial projects account for more US clean energy capacity.

Michigan Energy Michigan jobs pushes for RE measure

Supporters of a Michigan ballot measure that would require utilities to get more of their electricity from renewable sources submitted more than a half-million petition signatures to the secretary of state’s office, they announced Friday.

The Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs coalition pushing the measure said it turned in 530,000 signatures, well above the approximately 323,000 required to put a proposal on the November ballot.

The proposal would require more than 80 electricity suppliers statewide to obtain 25 percent of their power from wind, solar, biomass or hydro power by 2025. The current requirement, passed in 2008 as part of a rewrite of Michigan’s energy law, requires they get 10 percent from renewable sources by 2015.

Net metering laws may be challenged in California

In California’s sun-scorched Central Valley, the monthly electric bill can easily top $200. But that’s just about what George Burman spent on electricity for all of last year.

When the sun is shining, the solar panels on his Fresno condominium produce more than enough power for his needs, and the local utility is required to buy the excess power from him at full retail prices. Those credits mostly offset his purchases from the electric company during cloudy days and at night.