Solar America Initative News
April 30, 2008
American Architects Name Top Ten Green Buildings for 2008
This year's crop of green buildings, selected by the American Institute of Architects and its Committee on the Environment, place an emphasis on geothermal heat pumps, radiant floor heating, displacement ventilation, and the use of earth as insulation and as a means of blocking sunlight. More
April 16, 2008
Labor and Environmental Groups Launch a Green Jobs Campaign
The new Green Jobs for America campaign will highlight the potential to create more than 820,000 new jobs throughout the United States through a greater commitment to renewable energy. The campaign was launched by the United Steelworkers and two environmental groups. More
April 9, 2008
California Utility Inks Deal for Nearly 1,500 Solar Homes
An agreement between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and homebuilder Woodside Homes will lead to 1,487 new energy-efficient solar homes near Rancho Cordova, about 10 miles east of Sacramento, California. Another homebuilder is also launching new green homes in San Jose. More
April 9, 2008
Large-Scale Solar Thermal Power Projects Planned for California
FPL Energy is the latest company to propose building a large concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in southern California, while other proposals could yield thousands of megawatts of CSP facilities. Pacific Gas and Electric Company has agreed to buy power from several of those proposed facilities. More
April 2, 2008
California Utility to Install 250 Megawatts of Solar Panels
Southern California Edison is planning to install 250 megawatts of solar photovoltaic panels on commercial buildings in its service area over the next five years. The project will cost $875 million and will cover 2.33 square miles of rooftop. More
March 28, 2008
DOE Selects 12 Solar America Cities to Receive up to $2.4 Million
DOE announced on March 28 that 12 cities across the country have been chosen as Solar America Cities, and will each receive $200,000 (a total of $2.4 million overall) to integrate a variety of solar technologies. The chosen cities are located in California, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. More
March 26, 2008
Vermont Approves a Wide-Ranging Clean Energy Bill
A newly approved Vermont energy bill establishes a new $4 million fuel efficiency fund, upgrades building energy standards, and increases spending on home weatherization. But the most innovative part of the bill allows many electric meters to be consolidated under one net-metering agreement. More
March 19, 2008
Report: Four Key Clean Energy Markets Increased 40% in 2007
The revenues for industries making solar photovoltaic products, wind turbines, biofuels, and fuel cells increased by 40% in 2007, according to Clean Edge, Inc. The report also notes such new trends as sustainable cities, cleaner ships, and startup companies making electric vehicles. More
March 12, 2008
DOE to Invest up to $13.7 Million for Breakthrough Solar Energy Projects
The U.S. Department of Energy will invest up to $13.7 million, over three years (Fiscal Years 2008–2010), for 11 university- led projects that will focus on developing advanced solar photovoltaic technology manufacturing processes and products. These projects are integral to President Bush’s Solar America Initiative, which aims to make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity by 2015. Combined with a minimum university and industry cost share of 20%, up to $17.4 million will be invested in these projects. More
February 13, 2008
IRS Allocates $406 Million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds
A total of 312 renewable energy projects in 29 states could earn interest-free financing through a program administered by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The majority of the projects are solar, wind, and biomass energy projects, and most are located in California and Minnesota. More