What Stops Banks From Lending to Energy Efficiency Projects?

Four years after the US credit market crashed, energy efficiency projects continue to struggle to secure financing. What’s the problem? A slow economy, of course. But when it comes to energy efficiency – and on-site renewable energy – the problem runs deeper. It’s not lack of interest in green energy. Banks are interested in lending to green projects, but lenders become spooked when they begin to evaluate the risks associated with energy efficiency and on-site solar.

IRS Appeals Solyndra Chapter 11 Confirmation Decision

As promised, the Internal Revenue Service has appealed a bankruptcy-court order confirming the Chapter 11 plan of Solyndra LLC.

Wind energy has been the fastest growing renewable energy source over the past decade

Wind energy on its own is very affordable. It isn’t going to run out. Technology may change, but the well won’t run dry. Researchers with the Global Wind Energy Council anticipate annual average installation rates to continue to increase at 15.5 percent each year through 2015.

Can Solar Follow Wind into the Power Trading Market?

Independent power producers have, to date, largely relied on securing power purchase agreements (PPA) with utilities for the price certainty needed to finance utility scale solar projects. Because the levelized cost of electricity of wind has recently been more competitive than that of solar, developers have had another path to price certainty, explained Lincoln Renewable Energy COO and former Acciona North America CEO Dan Foley. LRE just announced the finalization of a 20 year PPA with Southern California Edison for the output of its adjoining 20 megawatt Marathon and 10 megawatt Agincourt solar power plants, scheduled for 2013 construction in Southern California. Foley said that soon, as the result of small marketplace changes, it could be possible to build utility scale solar without a PPA.

Final answer: U.S. hits Chinese solar makers with tariffs

The trade complaint against Chinese solar cell makers drew to an end on Wednesday when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) sided with U.S. solar manufacturers, agreeing that yes, U.S. solar makers have indeed been harmed by Chinese competitors. It’s a decision that will keep in place tariffs on silicon solar cells coming out of China. The ITC agreed in a 6-0 vote that Chinese solar producers have benefited from illegal subsidies from the Chinese government and sold products at below fair market value. The ITC’s findings corroborate the decision by the U.S. Commerce Department in October.

BLM considering expanding Arizona solar energy zones

It was just a few weeks ago that the BLM finalized the PEIS creating solar energy zones throughout seven southwestern states, and already the BLM is expanding the solar energy zones. Earlier this week BLM proposed creating an additional Solar Energy Zone in Arizona, which would open up more federal lands to solar development.

Arizona Continues to Expand Solar-Power Capacity

Arizona has been one of the leaders in the acceptance of solar power since the inception of the technology. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the state has now seen the third largest growth rate in installed photovoltaic capacity since the end of 2009, installing 297 megawatts of PV power during the three-year period. The latest projects in Arizona underscore the state's likelihood of continuing to expand its solar energy prominence.

Pennsylvania Senate Introduces Solar Bill to Effect Change in the Declining SREC Market

In August 2012, Senator Dave Argall (R-29) of the Pennsylvania State Senate, introduced legislation to spur change to the state’s declining solar renewable energy credit (SREC) market. This bill has been introduced in response to the lack of movement on a similar House Solar Bill introduced in 2011.

Oregon Plans Proposal for Marine Renewable Energy Areas

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation is planning an amendment to the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan, which will include specification of areas for development of marine renewable energy.

San Bernardino County supervisors vote to adopt wind turbine regulations

The Board of Supervisors last week opened the door to allowing greater flexibility in the design and use of wind turbines in the region. Supervisors adopted a proposed amendment to revise existing regulations of small wind energy systems. The proposed code would loosen regulations for the number of wind energy units on a parcel of land; allow the possibility of multiple units to be located on one parcel; and modify permit requirements.