SOLAR POWER

Massachusetts’ Second Green Bond Sale Shows Strong Demand

Massachusetts’ second Green Bond sale resulted in orders exceeding $1B for $350M worth of bonds and $429M in refinancing transaction that will save taxpayers $45M. On September 22, 2014, Massachusetts Treasurer Steven Grossman announced that the Commonwealth’s second Green Bond sale generated more than $1B in buy orders for a $350M bond offering.  Retail investors placed…...

NY Climate Week Highlights Clean Energy and Climate Preparedness Efforts

Governor Cuomo has designated September 22-28 as Climate Week, highlighting the state’s transformational clean energy accomplishments and proactive climate preparedness efforts. On September 22, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo designated the week of September 22-28 as Climate Week to increase climate awareness and highlight New York’s ongoing efforts to meet climate challenges.  Governor…...

Massachusetts Completes 1.8 MW Solar Installation on Superfund Site

SunEdison has completed a 1.8 MW solar power plant on a remediated Superfund site in New Bedford, Massachusetts. On September 19, 2014, global solar technology manufacturer SunEdison Inc. announced the completion of a 1.8 MW DC solar photovoltaic installation on the remediated Sullivan’s Ledge landfill site – and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund site –…...

New York City Launches Building Retrofit Plan to Reduce Emissions

NYC has committed to reduce emissions to 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, beginning with a comprehensive plan to retrofit all public buildings by 2025 and set target reductions and mandates for private buildings. On September 21, 2014, New York City (NYC) Mayor de Blasio announced a new goal of reducing emissions to 80…...

Executive Actions to Advance Solar Deployment and Energy Efficiency

New executive actions and initiatives to advance solar and energy efficiency projects include military-veterans solar job training, $68M USDA-funded rural projects, and stronger building codes. On September 18, 2014, the White House announced executive actions, public and private sector commitments, federal agency initiatives, and reports to advance solar deployment and energy efficiency.  The actions are…...

Senate Finance Committee Hearing on Energy Tax Policy Reforms

On September 17, 2014, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing titled “Reforming America’s Outdated Energy Tax Code” to discuss possible reforms to the U.S. energy tax policy. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) underscored the need for predictable, level playing-field tax policy that puts renewables on the same footing as other…...

New Funding to Modernize Rural Electric Infrastructure

The USDA has announced new funding to modernize the rural electric infrastructure across 15 states. On September 9, 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a funding of more than $518M to rural electric cooperatives to modernize the rural electric infrastructure, increase electric system reliability, and improve electricity delivery across 15 states.  The funding,…...

2015 Solarize Massachusetts Program Open for Participation

The 2015 round of the Solarize Massachusetts Program seeks applications from Massachusetts communities by October 15. On September 9, 2014, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the 2015 Solarize Massachusetts program with an October 15 response deadline.  MassCEC and DOER…...

[Report] NY REV Straw Proposal Recommends Utility-Owned Distributed Energy Resources

The New York Department of Public Service (DPS) staff has issued a Straw Proposal on achieving the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) Track One goals. The straw proposal reaffirms the initial April 24 proceeding which identified utilities’ role in managing a distributed system platform (DSP) and growing the state’s existing Distributed Energy Resource (DER) assets. Despite…...

Rhode Island Launches Solarize to Lower Solar Installation Costs

Rhode Island has launched the Solarize program, a municipal-based initiative aimed to facilitate low-cost rooftop solar installations. On September 2, 2014, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (Commerce RI), Office of Energy Resources (OER), and non-profit partner SmartPower announced the launch of Solarize Rhode Island, a municipal-based program aimed to facilitate low-cost rooftop solar installations.  The…...

California and Quebec Join Carbon Markets to Minimize Compliance Burden

On August 7, 2014, California and Quebec held a successful practice joint carbon emissions allowance auction in preparation for the first ever cross-border auction on November 2014. Despite varied participation levels in Quebec’s first four auctions, activity is expected to increase with program maturity and the upcoming 2015 compliance deadline.The programs – under the Western…...