If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, Read the State & Stakeholder Newsletter (March 10, 2010)

I just returned from San Francisco, the land of delicious aromas, influential people, lush vegetation, and (currently) severe budget deficits.  Still, that doesn’t deter Danielle Murray and Jade Juhl with San Francisco’s Solar America City.  The City’s recent Special Project Award to develop innovative solar financing alternatives, like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and PACE financing, for the affordable housing and small commercial communities is on track.  “We’ve got hurdles, but strong support from the Mayor,” said Juhl.

North Carolina Solar Center’s Laurel Varnado, editor of IREC’s Connecting to the Grid Newsletter and Kevin Fox, partner of Keyes and Fox, authored insightful articles about community solar in the March 2010 issue of Solar Today.   Like the PACE programs from 2009, community solar is quickly becoming one of the darlings of innovative solar models for the new decade.  Laurel’s piece, Investing in Solar as a Community, discusses that though municipal utilities have claimed early success with this model, acceptance is now coming from more traditional utilities and decision makers.  You can continue the conversation via Laurel’s blog.

In Getting the Policies Right, Fox suggests that by drawing on best practices from community solar programs, IREC is a natural to develop a community solar model, a natural extension and complement to its highly regarded and influential net metering and interconnection model rules.

There’s been a spate of really good webinars lately. IREC and our friends at VoteSolar hosted a webinar on March 8^th about jurisdictional issues and feed in tariffs.  Kevin Fox’s Power Point and an audio file of the webinar are available on the VoteSolar website.

The Solar Foundation’s Webinar Wednesday series features two more for March.  On March 17, the community solar conversation continues with IREC’s Kevin Fox, VoteSolar’s Gwen Rose and Andria Jacob from Solar Now.  On March 24, Jenn DeCesaro from DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Program will discuss how utility ownership models are pushing the solar market.  There’s no fee for these webinars, and registering once will register you for all the webinars in the series.

Charting your solar course, in the April/May 2010 issue of Home Power Magazine, is a one of the most comprehensive, easy-to-understand articles about renewable energy training I’ve seen.  Don’t be intimidated by the 11-page article; consider it the preface as you begin to understand what a quality renewable energy training program should look like.

Finally, DSIRE reports on the latest in state incentives activities, from a nearly doubling of California’s aggregate cap on net metering (from 2.5% to 5%) to a fresh batch of funds from Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources for the Minnesota Solar Energy Legacy Program.

As always, thanks for reading.  I welcome your comments and suggestions.

P.S.  Feel free to share this newsletter through any social media networks.

Read the State & Stakeholder Newsletter, March 10, 2010

If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, Read the State & Stakeholder Newsletter (February 24, 2010)

From the editor…

Big news from Austin:  SNOW–that all-to-familiar white stuff, the scourge of my friends who live in colder climates, and who, about this time of year, suffer from white stuff fatigue (and I just planted the lettuce).  I’ll happily endure their rolling of the eyes while I proudly suggest that they can no longer accuse us of being winter lightweights.

While we’re on the subject of big news, IREC has just released the 2010 update to its popular Best Practices and Recommended Guidelines for Renewable Energy Training. The new edition covers recommended principles for training; reviews industry-approved job/task analyses; discusses types of educational programs; walks through the essential steps of designing a training course; offers a checklist for assessing learning outcomes; looks at certification and accreditation; and lists resources to assist in training.  A huge thanks goes to Jerry Ventre for his work on this version and his expertise as an educator, and one of the most brilliant subject matter experts out there.

Just last week, IREC’s Jane Weissman was in Phoenix at AEE Solar’s conference where she received their Solar Pioneer Award for her tireless work in the solar industry.  We couldn’t agree more.

The Who Dat Nation continue to rack up solar achievements as a Solar America City with more solar training—both PV and solar thermal offerings–along with innovative financing mechanisms, including a PACE option.

And speaking of plantings…

I was out of town last summer when the city dedicated an unusual garden of sunflowers—solar sunflowers, that is.  Providing an unexpected delight from the daunting traffic along IH35, the sunflowers bloom at Mueller, the former airport, now mixed-use urban development.  During the day, the panels just stand there, collecting energy, but the real light show happens when the sun goes down and the blue LED lights come on.  It’s luminous, an exquisite example of art in public places, and something you should put on your ‘to do’ list if you’re coming to Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo/North America this week.  I was intrigued with Austin Energy’s GM, Roger Duncan’s remarks about energy sentient buildings–where buildings generate, store, and dispatch all onsite energy potential,  and communicate with the grid and electric sector.  Buildings becoming conscious?  I’ll be there, with live posts via Twitter (twitter.com/irecusa).

To all my friends in the northeast, cheer up–Spring isn’t far behind.

P.S.  Feel free to share this newsletter through any social media.

Read the State & Stakeholder Newsletter, February 24, 2010

Big news from Austin:  SNOW–that all-to-familiar white stuff, the scourge of my friends who live in colder climates, and who, about this time of year, suffer from white stuff fatigue (and I just planted the lettuce).  I’ll happily endure their rolling of the eyes while I proudly suggest that they can no longer accuse us of being winter lightweights.

While we’re on the subject of big news, IREC has just released the 2010 update to its popular Best Practices and Recommended Guidelines for Renewable Energy Training. The new edition covers recommended principles for training; reviews industry-approved job/task analyses; discusses types of educational programs; walks through the essential steps of designing a training course; offers a checklist for assessing learning outcomes; looks at certification and accreditation; and lists resources to assist in training.  A huge thanks goes to Jerry Ventre for his work on this version and his expertise as an educator, and one of the most brilliant subject matter experts out there.

Just last week, IREC’s Jane Weissman was in Phoenix at AEE Solar’s conference where she received their Solar Pioneer Award for her tireless work in the solar industry.  We couldn’t agree more.

The Who Dat Nation continues its steady pace of solar achievements as a Solar America City with more solar training—including solar thermal offerings–and innovative financing mechanisms, including a PACE option.

And speaking of plantings…

I was out of town last summer when the city dedicated an unusual garden of sunflowers—solar sunflowers, that is.  Providing an unexpected delight from the daunting traffic along IH35, the sunflowers bloom at Mueller, the former airport, now mixed-use urban development.  During the day, the panels just stand there, collecting energy, but the real light show happens when the sun goes down and the blue LED lights come on.  It’s luminous, an exquisite example of art in public places, and something you should put on your ‘to do’ list if you’re coming to Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo/North America this week.  I was intrigued with Austin Energy’s GM, Roger Duncan’s remarks about energy sentient buildings–where buildings generate, store, and dispatch all onsite energy potential,  and communicate with the grid and electric sector.  Buildings becoming conscious?  I’ll be there, with live posts via Twitter (twitter.com/irecusa).

To all my friends in the northeast, cheer up–Spring isn’t far behind.

If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, Read the State & Stakeholder Newsletter (February 10, 2010)

Notice anything new?

It’s been in the works for a while; a do-over was definitely in order.   We thank our good friends at Brownstone Graphics for our new look.  We think it’s a huge improvement.

We’re all so very busy.  The rate and amount of information that crosses our desks in a day is staggering.  Things are moving fast, and we’re looking for specific information, quickly.   We don’t want to scroll, and scroll, and scroll for information.  What this new format does is make it easy for you to find quickly what’s going on with our renewable energy friends and colleagues from Anaheim to Albany.

It’s laid out nice and clean, and organized with short headlines that are easy to skim and select what you want.    Everything is linkable: one click (maybe two) and you’re there, reading the latest news from IREC’s key programs like ISPQ, Green Workforce Development, Connecting to the Grid, and DSIRE.   We like to keep up with the certified installer community of NABCEP and publicize the successes of the Solar America Cities.

There’s big news in this issue:  the new ISPQ Standard 01022 was released last week (hats off to Pat Fox, ISPQ’s inimitable program manager).  The number of applications continues to stream in.  Programs and instructors that are awarded the rigorous ISPQ designation indicate a high level of quality standards for curriculum, student services and trainers have been met.

As usual, there’s lots of news from DSIRE:  New Jersey substantially revised its solar carve out, a new law removes its net metering limit, and new standards for small wind turbines have been set.  The Solar ABC’s Initiative is hosting three webinars in February—there’s one today.  And our friends at Austin Energy are adding a performance-based initiative for its commercial customers.

We’re populating the events and on-line calendar sections with your meetings, conferences, workshops and fairs.  We’re continuing to host workshops and webinars.  In short, we continue to recognize the work of you, our colleagues, who continue to do remarkable things.

On a sadder note, long-time SEI instructor, Walt Ratterman, perished in the January 12th Haiti earthquake.  Walt was in Haiti working on solar projects for health clinics with the organization that he co-founded, SunEnergy Power International (SunEPI).  SunEPI works around the world to improve people’s quality of life with renewable energy technologies in remote, rural areas.

I hope you find this new format inviting and the content useful in your work.  Thanks, as always, for sending news about your work.  And please…let me know what you think about our new look, OK?

P.S.  Feel free to share this newsletter through any social media portals.

If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, read IREC’s State & Stakeholder newsletter.

I’d like to be a fly on the wall of the DSIRE office.  It’s not that I want to snoop; I just want to see what a typical day at DSIRE looks like (and stay out of their way).  I imagine the accomplished team of seven, led by Rusty Haynes, poring over dozens of websites, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, and newsletters, while fielding phone calls to track down information on more than 2,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.  More than 200,000 unique visitors/month visit the site, looking for (and finding) comprehensive, up-to-date information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Did you catch those numbers?

DSIRE tracks information on more than 2,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency programs; more than 200,000 unique visitors/month on its website.

For this issue of IREC’s State & Stakeholder Newsletter, the DSIRE team sent news from 14 states.  From Sacramento, where one week after launching a feed-in tariff, SMUD announced that applications exceeded the new program’s aggregate capacity limit of 100 MW.   In Puerto Rico, four new programs were launched, thanks to federal stimulus funds.  Anecdotally, Puerto Rico’s ongoing efforts to promote solar and wind are catching the attention of developers.  High-fives to the State of Maine where shiny new interconnection standards are, according to Haynes, probably the best in the country.  “IREC deserves a dozen lobsters worth of credit for playing a key role in working with the commission to establish the new standards” (a special shout out to the regulatory wizards, Keyes and Fox, for this).   And earlier this month, an order from New York’s Public Service Commission expanded the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirement for investor-owned utilities from 25% by 2013 to 30% by 2015.    You won’t find this kind of valuable, timely information anywhere else.

I continue to be impressed with the quality (and quantity) of work from the DSIRE team.  Thanks, DSIRE, for all of the heavy lifting you do for the rest of us.

In this Issue…

News from DSIRE

ISPQ:  Revised ISPQ Standard to be Released Soon

Feature:  Community solar: power and ownership for you and me

Of Note:

• IREC’s Larry Sherwood quoted in 1/19/10 NYT on solar installations for 2010
• IREC’s Net Metering and Interconnection State Tables Updateds (January 2010)
• Net Metering Customers in Michigan More than Doubles January 19, 2010
• CPUC Decision Marks Open Season on SoCal Rooftop Solar Opportunity
• New NREL Report on State-Level FITs

On our radar: news about states, Solar America Cities, and other solar stakeholders

Upcoming events

News from DSIRE

ALASKA – Net Metering Policy Takes Effect
Alaska’s new net metering policy took effect January 15, 2010. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska approved net-metering regulations in October 2009, but the lieutenant governor did not approve the regulations until January.  Systems up to 25 kW in capacity are eligible, with an aggregate cap of 1.5% of each utility’s retail sales from the previous year. Generally, utilities with annual retail sales of 5 million kWh or more are subject to the new regulations, although there are some exceptions.

ARIZONA – SRP Restructures PV Incentives
Salt River Project (SRP), and utility serving portions of Arizona, has made several changes to its EarthWise program for 2010.  PV systems over 50 kW in capacity must now take a performance-based incentive, with different rates for 10-year and 20-year contracts. PV systems less than 50 kW may receive an up-front, capacity-based rebate. The utility has also developed a schedule under which its incentives will decline annually through 2015.

CALIFORNIA – SMUD FIT Applications Exceed Program Goal
One week after launching a feed-in tariff, SMUD announced that applications have exceeded the new program’s aggregate capacity limit of 100 MW. However, SMUD is still accepting applications, which will be assigned an unreserved location in the queue. If a reserved project is canceled, an unreserved application may be accepted into the program.

CALIFORNIA – First Statewide Mandatory Green Building Code Adopted
The California Building Standards Commission (BSC) has adopted a final version of California’s new building code, CALGreen, which includes requirements for water efficiency, indoor air quality, recycling of construction waste, and other green building principles. The new code, which takes effect January 1, 2011, is based on California’s voluntary green building code, established in July 2008.

HAWAII – Solar Water Heater Rebates Decline
On February 1, 2010, rebate levels for Hawaii Energy’s solar water heating incentive program will decrease from $1,000 to $750. On a related note, SB 644 of 2008 and HB 1464 of 2009 require new residential construction projects to install solar water heating systems, with some exceptions, beginning January 1, 2010. As a result of this legislation, rebates are no longer offered to new residential construction projects.

MAINE – New Interconnection Standards Embrace IREC Model
Maine’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) has adopted strong interconnection standards for distributed generation. Maine’s new standards very closely resemble IREC’s model interconnection procedures, which espouse the best practices of state-level policies. With four levels of technical review, no required disconnect switch, and a clearly defined fee schedule and insurance schedule, Maine is sure to receive high marks in next year’s edition of Freeing the Grid.

MASSACHUSETTS – Bay State Vies to Become Solar State
After much anticipation, Massachusetts has issued emergency regulations establishing a solar carve-out – consisting solely of in-state PV — as part of the state’s renewable portfolio standard. The solar carve-out for 2010 is 30 MW; the overall solar carve-out is 400 MW. Along with the accompanying Solar Credit Clearinghouse market, the new solar carve-out is expected to rapidly accelerate PV deployment in Massachusetts.

MISSOURI – KCP&L Unveils PV Rebate Program
In response to regulatory requirements put in place by Proposition C, the 2008 ballot initiative that created Missouri’s renewable electricity standard, KCP&L is offering rebates of $2.00 per watt, up to $50,000, for the installation of net-metered PV systems. The net-metering requirement effectively limits system size to 100 kW, the maximum individual system size allowed under Missouri’s net-metering law. Rebates are available to Missouri customers of both the KCP&L Company and the KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company (formerly Aquila) that receive electric service on any generally available rate schedule.

NEW YORK – RPS Expanded to 30% by 2015
In a January 2010 order, the New York Public Service Commission expanded the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirement for investor-owned utilities from 25% by 2013 to 30% by 2015. This decision is expected to require only a modest increase in renewable energy generation compared to the original projections made in 2004 for the 25% standard, because the revised projections incorporate a 15% reduction in energy use by 2015 under the state’s Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS).   The future of New York’s Customer-Sited Tier (CST) — and the accompanying incentive program for CST systems — was not addressed in the order, but the PSC anticipates taking further action on this aspect of the RPS in the coming months.

NEW YORK – PV Systems No Longer Eligible for Energy $mart Loans
New York’s Energy $mart Residential Loan Fund offers below-market financing to residential customers who make qualified energy-related home improvements, which formerly included the installation of PV systems and wind turbines supported by the Customer-Sited Tier incentive programs. Effective January 11, 2010, PV systems are no longer eligible for these loans, and the wind-energy incentive program is closed to new applications. In addition, the revised program in place for 2010 no longer offers loans for improvements made to commercial buildings.

OREGON – State Guidelines Issued for BETC Pass-Through Rate
Over the past few months, the Oregon Department of Energy has made changes to the state’s Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC).  BETC has a pass-through option that allows non-taxpaying entities and businesses without tax liability to take advantage of the tax credit.  Under the pass-through option, a project owner may transfer a tax credit to a pass-through partner in return for a lump-sum cash payment upon completion of the project.  The ODOE has issued guidelines, effective January 1, 2010, establishing a formula for the pass-through rate – the amount an individual or business pays to buy a tax credit.  The new rate is based on five-year U.S. Treasury notes and the urban Consumer Price Index for the west region, and should result in more money going to renewable energy project developers rather than pass-through partners.

PENNSYLVANIA – State PV Rebate Levels Reduced for Small Businesses
The Pennsylvania Sunshine solar rebate program is structured so that rebate levels are automatically reduced when certain installed capacity milestones are reached. In January 2010, the small business PV portion of the program reached the second milestone in the program schedule, thereby triggering a rebate reduction of $0.50 per watt for all system sizes. The current rebate level is now $1.25 per watt for the first 10 kW, $1.00 per watt for the next 90 kW, and $0.75 per watt for the next 100 kW. Rebates for residential PV systems and for all types of solar thermal systems remain unchanged.

PUERTO RICO – Nuevos Incentivos para la Energía Renovable
Puerto Rico’s State Energy Program has established four rebate programs to support renewable energy installations, using funding from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These rebates will be availableuntil September 30, 2010, or until funding is exhausted.

Puerto Rico – State Energy Program – Solar Water Heater Rebate Program

Puerto Rico – State Energy Program – Sun Energy Rebate Program

Puerto Rico – State Energy Program – Wind Energy Rebate Program

Puerto Rico – State Energy Program – Agricultural Renewable Energy Rebate Program

VERMONT – Small Renewables Incentive Program Gets Make-Over
Vermont’s small renewables incentive program, which supports solar water heating, PV, wind and micro-hydro projects, has been suspended. Current program funding has been fully subscribed; however, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, additional incentives will become available in February under a revamped program. (Preliminary details on the program design are available, but changes are expected.)

ISPQ:  Revised ISPQ Standard to be Released Soon

In late October 2009, the Institute for Sustainable Power, Board of Directors approved an updated version of the ISPQ (Institute for Sustainable Power Quality) Standard.  Since then,  IREC has been working tirelessly to revise all of the documents and processes related to the ISPQ Accreditation & Certification Programs.  The new ISPQ Standard 01022 will include three significant changes.

Feature:  Community solar: power and ownership for you and me

At it simplest, community solar projects increase access to solar, whether you own or rent or have a business.  It doesn’t matter if your roof is shaded.   Community solar participants don’t have the usual up-front costs and longer term O&M costs.  The system is usually located in a highly visible public place, and participants receive credit on their electricity bills for the renewable power produced by the system.  I spoke with Keyes & Fox’s Joe Wiedman about IREC’s current work with community solar issues.  Community solar will be the topic of an upcoming IREC webinar.

Of note…

IREC’s Larry Sherwood was quoted in the 1/19/10 issue of the New York Times when asked about the amount of megawattts of solar that will be built in the U.S. in 2010.

IREC’s Net Metering and Interconnection Updated State Tables for January Available
State and utility net metering rules and interconnection standards for distributed generation (January 2010) are now available from IREC’s Connecting to the Grid Project.

Net Metering Customers in Michigan More than Doubles January 19, 2010
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) staff filed its annual net metering program report, which shows that the number of net metering customers in Michigan has more than doubled from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  The MPSC in May last year adopted net metering and interconnection rules for small, renewable electric generation projects onsite, as required by Public Act 295 of 2008. The report issued today said the number of net metering customers increased from 53 in the 2007-2008 year to 137 in the 2008-2009 period. Wind proved the most popular with the number of installations increasing from 29 to 96 during the period, while solar installations increased from 23 to 39 during the same time period. Customers are located throughout the state.  The entire report is available on the MPSC’s Web site michigan.gov/netmetering.

CPUC Decision Marks Open Season on SoCal Rooftop Solar Opportunity
On January 22, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) granted final approval to Southern California Edison (SCE) for an ambitious new rooftop solar program. The program will help SCE meet the state’s renewable goals with distributed solar energy systems, primarily located on large rooftops throughout SCE’s service territory. In total, the five-year program will add 250 MW of utility-owned solar and an additional 250 MW of competitively sourced solar from private developers.

New NREL Report on State-Level FITs
As states begin to consider implementing feed-in tariffs (FITs), they’re finding out that these FITs are preempted by federal law.  The transaction resulting from an FIT is a wholesale sale of electricity–from renewable seller to retail utility–and this sale triggers one of two federal statutes:  the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) or the Federal Power Act of 1935 (FPA).  To help states navigate these waters,  the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) asked the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to explore how states can lawfully implement feed-in tariffs.  IREC’s legal team–Jason Keyes, Joseph Wiedman, and Kevin Fox of the law firm Keyes and Fox–along with Wilson Rickerson and Chad Laurent of the Meister Consultants–reviewed this document.

On our radar…

–NYSERDA releases PON 1685 for Consumer Education Program for Residential Energy Efficiency
PON 1685 seeks proposals for the implementation of a statewide, energy efficiency and renewable education program to raise awareness, educate the general public, and increase the adoption of energy efficiency behaviors and practices at home, at work, and within communities.  Proposals due 2/24/10, 5 pm ET.  Contact Lori Clark at (518) 862-1090, ext.3202.

– Preliminary On-Line Registration Now Available for ASES 2010
Preliminary registration is now open and includes Conference, Solar Success and Public Day Registration. Additional registration options, such as workshops, tours and social events will be available mid-February. Register now and log back into your registration to add options.

– ACORE’s RETECH 2010 for Industry Leaders and Leading Renewable Technologies
Join ACORE for its renewable energy technology conference and exhibition February 3-5 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

– Solar Leadership Summit April 21-22
SolarTech, in collaboration with partnering organizations like IREC, is holding its second annual summit in San Ramon, CA on April 21-22.  The Summit is an interactive event bringing together experts across many disciplines of the solar industry.  Registration opened January 15th.

–MREA announces 2010 online workshop schedule
For more information on workshops and schedules, visit the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s website.

–ASES accepting nominations for its Passive Pioneer Award
Since 1979, ASES has been honored those in the passive field who developed the theories, early research efforts, new concepts, and opportunities for later researchers to develop.  Deadline to submit nominees is January 29th.

Upcoming Events

2/3-2/5  RETECH 2010, Washington, DC, hosted by ACORE

2/17-2/19  CoSEIA Annual Conference & Expo, Lakewood, CO

3/9-3/11  NESEA BuildingEnergy10 Conference, Boston, MA

4/21-4/22  SolarTech Leadership Summit, San Ramon, CA

FAIR USE NOTICE
This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/ 17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, read IREC’s State & Stakeholder newsletter.

Happy new decade.   I hope your holidays were good ones and that you took some much deserved time off.  Even I unplugged (honest).  Though we slowed down some during the holidays, the renewable energy news didn’t.

January started out with a roar–big news from the Department of Labor: 25 awardees for its $100M Energy Training Partnership Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).  Private non-profits applied under one of two categories:  (1) national labor­ management organizations with local networks; or (2) statewide or local nonprofit partnerships.   Austin’s Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (AEJATC), in partnership with Workforce Solutions/Capital Area and ImagineSolar, snagged a $4.8M grant that will combine utility-scale and commercial solar installation training with immediate employment opportunities in the Austin and San Antonio regions.  ImagineSolar’s Michael Kuhn anticipates some 1,000 workers will receive electrical and specialized solar installer training within the first 12 months of the contract.

The February/March issue of SolarPro Magazine features an interview with IREC’s Jane Weissman about workforce development and credentialing programs.  As 2010 begins, a record number of applications to the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP) for accreditation and certification continue to stream into IREC.

The intricacies of the utility external disconnect switch (UEDS) issue are revealed by IREC’s Michael Sheehan, P.E., in concepts easy enough that even an English major like I can understand (thanks, Michael).   And the first IREC (free) webinar of 2010 on January 26 is on IREC’s Connecting to the Grid Guide (6th Edition).  There’s still time to register.

Is it really only January?  What a way to start the new decade.

In this Issue…

News from DSIRE

Workforce Development:  Jane Weissman talks about workforce development and training with SolarPro Magazine

ISPQ:  ISPQ Gaining Traction: record number of applications for renewable energy training programs accreditation and certified instructors

Feature:  DOL awards $12M for green workforce training; $4.8M goes to Austin, TX

Of Note:  Utility External Disconnect Switch: utilities that have opted to abolish it seen as following interconnection best practices

On our radar: news from states, Solar America Cities, and other solar stakeholders

Upcoming events

News from DSIRE

ARIZONA – Co-Op Unveils PV Performance Incentive, Reduces Rebate Level
Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative has made several changes to its SunWatts program for 2010. PV systems greater than 10 kW, all wind-energy systems and all biomass systems now must take the utility’s performance-based incentive, which offers different rates for on-grid and off-grid systems. PV systems up to 10 kW have the option of choosing an up-front rebate instead of the production incentive. For 2010, the rebate level has decreased from $4.00 per watt to $3.00 per watt.

CALIFORNIA – SMUD FIT Takes Effect
SMUD, the municipal utility serving Sacramento, began accepting applications on January 4, 2010, for its feed-in tariff. All technologies eligible for California’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and CHP are eligible. Unlike some European feed-in tariffs that have a single, fixed rate, SMUD’s feed-in tariff varies depending on the time of day, the time of the year, the length of the contract and the production year. The program is limited to systems five megawatts or less, and the aggregate program cap is 100 MW.

CONNECTICUT – CCEF Offers Geothermal Heat Pump Rebates
With funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) is offering rebates for geothermal heat pump on a first-come, first-served basis for pre-approved systems installed after December 15, 2009. This incentive is available to individuals, business, not-for-profits, schools and institutions. Certain energy efficiency requirements must be met as a condition of eligibility.

ILLINOIS – Solar Funding for Schools Available
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation is accepting applications, through March 27, for funding under the Solar Schools Program. This program has awarded approximately $1.4 million dollars to over 140 K-12 schools to install small (1 kW) PV systems.

MASSACHUSETTS – Solar Commonwealth II Details Emerge
Massachusetts has announced the anticipated funding levels of the state’s revitalized PV rebate program. Commonwealth Solar II will provide rebates for residential systems and commercial systems five kilowatts or less in capacity. The proposed new incentive levels are lower than the original Commonwealth Solar rebate levels. The original program closed in October 2009.

MISSOURI – AmerenUE Unveils PV Rebate Program
AmerenUE, an investor-owned utility operating in Missouri, offers customers a flat incentive of $2.00 per watt, up to $50,000, for qualifying PV systems. Systems must be grid-tied and net-metered, which effectively limits system capacity to 100 kW. This program sprang from 2008 Proposition C, a voter-approved, statewide ballot initiative that established Missouri’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and required the state’s investor-owned utilities to offer solar rebates of at least $2.00 per watt, beginning in 2010. Only systems installed on or after January 1, 2010, are eligible for incentives.

NEW JERSEY – Renewable Energy Incentives Revised
New Jersey’s renewable energy incentive program offers rebates for the installation of PV, wind, biomass, and fuel cell systems. The New Jersey Office of Clean Energy has issued a notice of 2010 PV program changes that include expanded energy-efficiency requirements for residential projects, the integration of energy efficiency into the commercial rebate structure, an allowance for residential systems larger than 10 kW to receive incentives under certain conditions, and revised solar incentives for newly constructed Energy Star Homes. In addition, the maximum incentive for wind energy was increased from $418,500 to $543,000.

NEW JERSEY – Improved Interconnection, Net Metering Rules Take Effect
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities recently adopted a rule that incorporates certain changes made by S.B. 2936, enacted in January 2008, as well as some additional improvements based on program experience. This rule took effect January 4, 2010. The amended net metering regulations extended net metering to large commercial and industrial customers, and to all Class I renewable energy systems. In addition, the new BPU rule separated interconnection standards from net metering in the state administrative code, extended the standards to systems larger than 2 MW, and added utility reporting requirements.

NEW YORK – LIPA Lowers PV Rebate Levels
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has reduced incentives for PV systems effective January 1, 2010.  LIPA’s program uses a tiered structure involving a capacity-based rebate amount that declines as systems get larger. Incentives for the residential and commercial first tiers (0 to 10 kW) have been reduced from $3.50 per watt to $2.75 per watt. Incentives for higher tiers and incentives for non-profits and government applicants remain the same.

NEW YORK – PV Incentives Reduced, Extended Six Months
New York’s state PV incentive program, administered by NYSERDA, offers rebates for residential, commercial, non-profit and government installations. Formerly scheduled to expire December 31, 2009, the program has been extended through June 30, 2010. In addition, effective January 11, 2010, all residential, commercial and non-profit incentives have been reduced to $1.75 per watt — up to five kW for residential installations, 50 kW for commercial installations, and 25 kW for non-profit and government installations.

OHIO – Final RPS Rules Adopted
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued final rules for Ohio’s Alternative Energy Resource Standard, which requires utilities to provide 25% of their retail electricity supply from alternative energy resources by 2025, as specified by legislation enacted in May 2008. PUCO’s rules provide additional details and clarification on Ohio’s standard, including a definition of “solar” (which was ambiguous in the legislation).

OREGON – Ashland Lowers Maximum PV Rebate
The City of Ashland Conservation Division offers a rebate of $2.25 per watt to residential customers and $1.00 per watt to commercial customers. On January 1, 2010, the maximum rebate amount per system decreased from $10,000 to $7,500.

Workforce Development

The February-March 2010 issue of SolarPro Magazine features an interview with IREC’s Jane Weissman who talks with SolarPro’s Managing Editor, Kathryn Houser, about workforce development and quality training opportunities for individuals and for training programs.  Read more.

ISPQ

During 2009, a record number of applications for accredited renewable energy training programs and certified instructors were submitted to ISPQ.  Read more.

Feature

On Tuesday, January 6th, the Department of Labor announced some $100 million in green jobs training grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), $12M of which was destined for three projects in Texas. Here in Austin, the Austin Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (AEJATC), in partnership with Workforce Solutions–Capital Area and ImagineSolar, snagged $4.8M of the $12M Texas money.  Read more.

Of note…

– Mike Sheehan, P.E., works on state level rulemaking and workshops for IREC, and the UEDS is his particular area of expertise.  He’s a highly technical guy, and exceptionally adept at simplifying those technical details into easily understandable bits for the rest of us.  I wanted to understand the issues surrounding UEDS, so I asked him a few simple questions about it.  Read more.

– In June 2009, New Mexico considered the prickly issue of whether third party owners of distributed generation are public utilities.  As in other states, finding that third party owners are utilities would be equal to a prohibition of third party ownership, which would severely limit the potential for renewable energy in the state because many projects depend on third party ownership to monetize federal tax benefits.   In late December, the Public Regulation Commission voted 4-1 that companies that install, own and operate generation equipment on a customer’s property and sell the power to the customer aren’t considered to be a public utility.   “”We’ve spent a good part of the year trying to get third party ownership allowed in New Mexico and it just passed last week,” said Jason Keyes.

You can read the Keyes & Fox’s other top picks for states with interconnection and net metering best practices (Colorado, Utah, Virginia) in 2009 by clicking here.

On our radar…

– Upcoming IREC webinar:  Connecting to the Grid Guide (January 26)
The next IREC Webinar will be held Tuesday, January 26, from 2:00-3:15 pm EST (1pm CST, noon MST, 11am PST, 10am Alaska, 9am Hawaii) on IREC’s 6th Edition of its Connecting to the Grid Guide.  There is no fee for this webinar, but pre-registration is required.  This seminar is designed to provide participants with a better understanding of the key issues in net metering and interconnection policies and the process behind rulemaking proceedings at state utilities commissions.  This webinar will also hit the highlights of IREC’s recently released Connecting to the Grid Guide, 6th edition, an important tool that is designed for state regulators and other policymakers, utilities, industry representatives and consumers interested in the development of state-level interconnection standards.

– Preliminary On-Line Registration Now Available for ASES 2010
Preliminary registration is now open and includes Conference, Solar Success and Public Day Registration. Additional registration options, such as workshops, tours and social events will be available mid-February. Register now and log back into your registration to add options.

– RETECH 2010
Join ACORE for its renewable energy technology conference and exhibition February 3-5 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

– Solar Leadership Summit April 21-22
SolarTech, in collaboration with partnering organizations like IREC, is holding its second annual summit in San Ramon, CA on April 21-22.  The Summit is an interactive event bringing together experts across many disciplines of the solar industry.  Registration opens January 15th.  

– SEPA Welcomes New Staff Members
SEPA welcomes two new staffers:  Bart Krishnamoorthy, Research Associate, and Don Lintvet, SEPA’s Director of Marketing and Communications.

– News from MREA
It’s not too early to mark your calendars for MREA’s Energy Fair, June 18-20 in Custer, WI.   MREA has also posted its Workshop Calendar online. To register for photovoltaic, solar hot water, wind, renewable energy business, and alternative construction workshops, visit their website today:

– Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) selects new Executive Director
SBIC has elected Bud DeFlaviis to serve as the Council’s new ED.  DeFlaviis was Director of Government Affairs for the U.S. Fuel Cell Council, a 100-member trade association, and also served as communications director for a senior senator in Washington, D.C.

– Smart Grid Virtual Summit 2010
Scheduled for March 18, the Summit will highlight the perspectives of leading utilities, technology companies, systems integrators, and regulators making the smart grid a reality. The focus will be on the business case for smart grids, how to implement effectively, standards and regulatory progress, and identifying new partnerships and business opportunities.  Registration fee:  $195.

Upcoming Events

1/14/10  Geothermal Energy Finance Forum 2010, Battery Park, NY

1/15/10   Deadline to submit applications for NABCEP solar PV and solar thermal certifying exams

2/3-2/5  RETECH 2010, Washington, DC, hosted by ACORE

2/17-2/19  CoSEIA Annual Conference & Expo, Lakewood, CO

3/9-3/11  NESEA BuildingEnergy10 Conference, Boston, MA

The State & Stakeholder Newsletter is published electronically on a semi-monthly basis by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.  To subscribe to this newsletter, click here and follow the instructions. There is no fee for this newsletter.  If you have comments or news items, please send them to Jane Pulaski.

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

FAIR USE NOTICE

This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/ 17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, read IREC’s State & Stakeholder newsletter.

2009 Year-in-Review

I always look forward to this issue because it gives me a chance to go back and re-live some of the best renewable energy achievements of the year.  And each year, I’m always astonished at the accomplishments of our friends and colleagues.

2009 was one remarkable year for renewable energy.

For this issue, the IREC team selected their top picks for 2009 in workforce development, ISPQ credentialing, net metering and interconnection regulatory proceedings, state incentive programs.  In 2009, IREC produced a number of outstanding reports, coordinated dozens of webinars and trainings, updated its website and organized the third national workforce education conference.   Highlights from DOE’s Solar America Cities initiative, which saw a phenomenal amount of activity in 2009, are also featured in this issue.

As IREC begins its 28^th year, we’re alert and poised to keep ahead of the issues.   We’ll inform you about them through a number of communication channels, including our website, engaging and informative newsletters, webinars, workshops, conferences, and reports.  It’s what you’ve come to expect from us, and it’s what we do best.

Settle in and grab a cup of coffee.  It’s an inspiring read, and I think, an optimistic herald for 2010.  Thanks, as always, for reading, and for your support of IREC.  Happy new year.

In this Issue…

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

IREC at the table, serving up workforce education best practices and credentialing programs in 2009
For nearly a decade, IREC has taken a leadership role in shaping the direction of renewable energy workforce education, and developing quality and competency standards for solar and renewable energy professionals and training programs.   Whether authoring articles in national magazines, organizing a national workforce education conference, updating renewable energy training directories, or  accepting a record number of credentialing applications, renewable energy workforce development activities in 2009 will go down in IREC’s books as nothing short of robust.

ISPQ

ISPQ Gaining Traction: 2009 saw a record number of applications for renewable energy training programs accreditation and certified instructors
Forty-five applications were submitted during the past 12 months for ISPQ credentials.  Twenty candidates were awarded accreditation or certification in 2009.  There are 27 applications currently under audit.  How is IREC handling this growth?

DSIRE

From California to Vermont, DSIRE’s Top 9 for ‘09
I include updates to the DSIRE database in my semi-monthly State & Stakeholder newsletter, and during 2009, DSIRE accounted for some 225 entries.  Since I publish 26 newsletters/year, by my count, DSIRE contributes more than eight items/newsletter.  For the June 17th newsletter, DSIRE anted up 21 news items.  21 news items. So when I asked the DSIRE team for their notable news picks for 2009, I was dumbfounded when they whittled it down to nine.   Lucky for me; it made for a great headline.

CONNECTING TO THE GRID

IREC’s Legal Team, Keyes & Fox, Picks 4 States for Interconnection and Net Metering Best Practices in 2009
To say 2009 was a busy year for rule making proceedings would be a radical understatement.   IREC’s legal team of Keyes and Fox were involved in interconnection and net metering regulatory proceedings in some 20 states. Involved, according to Jason Keyes, means providing multiple rounds of comments and participation in workshops and hearings in those rule makings.   In fact, it’s totally accurate to conclude that Keyes & Fox’s steady and persistent hand in several of these states produced successful results.

SOLAR AMERICA CITIES

DOE’s Solar America Cities wraps up with a 2009 with a bow
By all accounts, 2009 was one very active year for DOE’s Solar America Cities Initiatives (SAI), far from the typical business-as-usual model. Starting in March, with the second Solar America Cities Annual Meeting in San Antonio, to the announcement in October of DOE’s Special Projects grants for Solar America Cities and a network of regional solar Installer training providers, 2009 was a non-stop procession of news about and activities of the 25 Solar America Cities, from Hawaii to New York, from Texas to Wisconsin.   Despite their hectic travel schedules, Charlie, Hannah, Sarah, Tom, always responded to my emails and phone calls quickly.  Hats off to the SAI team for a job well done.

On our radar…

Upcoming IREC webinar:  Connecting to the Grid Guide (January 26)
The next IREC Webinar will be held Tuesday, January 26, from 2:00-3:15 pm EST (1pm CST, noon MST, 11am PST, 10am Alaska, 9am Hawaii) on IREC’s 6th Edition of its Connecting to the Grid Guide.  There is no fee for this webinar, but pre-registration is required.  This seminar is designed to provide participants with a better understanding of the key issues in net metering and interconnection policies and the process behind rulemaking proceedings at state utilities commissions.  This webinar will also hit the highlights of IREC’s recently released Connecting to the Grid Guide, 6th edition, an important tool that is designed for state regulators and other policymakers, utilities, industry representatives and consumers interested in the development of state-level interconnection standards.

NYSERDA Releases PON 1816 for energy efficiency training programs in NYS
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking partnerships with eligible training entities to deliver energy efficiency training programs throughout New York State. The Program goal is to significantly expand the existing energy efficiency training infrastructure to serve the needs of the portfolio of programs funded through the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS).  An informational workshop or webinar will be held to answer questions regarding this Offering on Thursday, January 7, 2010, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration is required. Please email Kelli Herndon to register for the webinar. If additional webinars are scheduled, it will be posted on NYSERDA’s Get Energy Smart website.  Additional FAQ’s for this program will also be posted on www.GetEnergySmart.org.

New York Solar Energy Society: Accelerating Solar Power in New York State, Panel Discussion and Reception
New York State has a significant solar resource and boasts some of the most generous financial incentives for solar development, yet major hurdles exist to creating a vibrant solar market. For one exclusive evening, major policy makers, business leaders, and finance executives will come together to discuss the policies and incentives needed to help the New York solar market reach its full potential.  Keynote Speaker: New York State Assemblyman, Andrew Hevesi Thursday, February 4 • 6:30 – 9:30 The Cooper Union, 41 Cooper Square, NYC.  To RSVP email: wyldon1@gmail.com

Preliminary On-Line Registration Now Available for ASES 2010
Preliminary registration is now open and includes Conference, Solar Success and Public Day Registration. Additional registration options, such as workshops, tours and social events will be available mid-February. Register now and log back into your registration to add options.

CEC to offer informational webinar on the EECBG on January 6th
To help applicants understand prevailing wages and the Davis-Bacon Act when applying for the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding, Energy Commission staff will host an Informational Webinar on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at the California Energy Commission, 1516 Ninth Street, First Floor, Hearing Room A, Sacramento, CA (wheelchair accessible).  No reservation is necessary. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the workshop.  EECBG applications are due to the Energy Commission by January 12, 2010, at 4 p.m. PST.  The new and revised attachments can be found online.

Upcoming Events

1/14/10  Geothermal Energy Finance Forum 2010, Battery Park, NY

1/15/10   Deadline to submit applications for NABCEP solar PV and solar thermal certifying exams

2/3-2/5  RETECH 2010, Washington, DC, hosted by ACORE

2/17-2/19  CoSEIA Annual Conference & Expo, Lakewood, CO

The State & Stakeholder Newsletter is published electronically on a semi-monthly basis by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.  To subscribe to this newsletter, click here and follow the instructions. There is no fee for this newsletter.  If you have comments or news items, please send them to Jane Pulaski.

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

FAIR USE NOTICE

This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/ 17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, read IREC’s State & Stakeholder newsletter.

MORE THAN 500 INDUSTRY EXPERTS training the green workforce filled the meeting rooms at the third New Ideas in Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Workforce Education Conference in Albany, NY from November 18-20 2009.  Overfilled the rooms would be a more accurate description, and  though the conference is over, the work is not.  We feel that the exemplary work of the individuals who are shaping the direction of green workforce development in the U.S. merit recognition, and we’ll use this newsletter to do just that.  Future issues will highlight educators, trainers, instructors, educational centers, and others who are innovating and implementing new approaches to training in the rapidly growing green economy.

The 12/2/09 issue of this newsletter featured Dr. Mary Spilde, President of Lane Community College (LCC) in Eugene, Oregon.  For more than 20 years, and with visionary faculty like Roger Ebbage, LCC  has been at the front of the pack for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE) programs.  In this issue, we highlight another community college administrator, Dr. Stephanie Smith, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC), who’s been busy helping DTCC make up for lost time with an enviable agenda for programs geared to training the green workforce.

The final issue for 2009 of the State & Stakeholder eNewsletter will arrive in your mailbox on Wednesday, December 30th.  As in years past, it will be a Year-in-Review issue, recalling some of the more noteworthy and significant news of the year.  That’ll be a challenge; it was an especially remarkable year for renewable energy news.  Until then, I hope your holidays are merry and bright.  And heartfelt thanks, as always, for reading this newsletter, and for supporting IREC.  

In this Issue…

State & Local Headlines

Feature

Interview

Of note

On our radar

Upcoming events

State/Local Headlines

CALIFORNIA – Some Munis to Lower PV Incentive Levels
California requires all municipal electric utilities to provide PV rebates with incentive levels that step down over time. Some utilities have scheduled incentive levels to decline as specific capacity targets are met, while others reduce their incentives annually – either at the beginning of a new fiscal year or at the beginning of a new calendar year. Roughly 10 municipal utilities will reduce PV rebate levels on January 1, 2010 (see DSIRE record).

COLORADO – Xcel Energy Reduces Payments for Solar*Rewards RECs
Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards program provides upfront rebates of $2.00 per watt and an additional payment for renewable energy credits (RECs) for PV systems. Larger systems and systems owned by 3^rd-party developers receive REC payments based on the actual electricity produced, while small customer-owned systems (< 10kW) receive an upfront capacity-based payment for RECs. In October 2009, Xcel announced a schedule for declining REC payments as certain capacity goals are met for different system sizes. On December 2, 2009, the REC payment for small customer-owned incentives moved down to the third step; the REC payment of these systems is now $0.85 per watt (see DSIRE record).

GEORGIA – Clean Energy Property Rebate Program
In April 2009, Georgia enacted legislation (HB 473) creating the Georgia Clean Energy Property Rebate Program. This program will use funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide rebates for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) began accepting applications for the rebate program on October 19, 2009. GEFA quickly received funding requests that exceed the allocated total funding for the program. It is unlikely that any new applications will receive funding (see DSIRE record).

MICHIGAN – Tax Credit Established for PV Manufacturing
Michigan has established a new tax credit for the construction of facilities that manufacture PV systems. Businesses may claim a tax credit for 25% of the capital costs of building a qualifying facility, with a general credit limit of $15 million. To qualify, businesses must enter into an agreement with the Michigan Economic Growth Authority by December 31, 2011, and must meet certain minimum capital investment and job creation requirements. The limit of the total volume of tax credits issued is $75 million (see DSIRE record).

NEVADA – NV Energy Enhances Wind Energy Incentives
NV Energy offers capacity-based rebates for customer-sited wind-energy systems up to one megawatt in capacity. Previously, incentives were disbursed only for the first 30 kW of a system sited at a home, small business and agricultural facility, and for the first 50 kW of a system sited at a school or public building. In December, the program was expanded to provide rebates for the first 60 kW of a residential system, for the first 250 kW of a system used by a small business or school, and for the first 500 kW of an agricultural system or a system sited at a public building (see DSIRE record).

NEW JERSEY – PSE&G Solar Loan II Program Accepting Applications
PSE&G’s Solar Loan program offers loans to customers for the installation of net-metered PV systems up to 500 kW in capacity. The program is intended to cover 40% – 60% of the cost of installing a PV system, and uniquely, may be repaid either with cash or with Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs). If used for loan repayment, SRECs are valued at the higher of the market price or a floor price established at the time of the loan. The initial SREC floor prices are set at $450 for residential systems, $410 for non-residential systems up to 150 kW, and $380 for non-residential systems larger than 150 kW (see DSIRE record).

NEW YORK–Governor Signs State Energy Plan
On December 15th, New York’s Governor David A. Paterson accepted the final 2009 State Energy Plan from the New York State Energy Planning Board. The Energy Plan provides a comprehensive blueprint for New York to continue to transition to a clean energy economy over a 10-year planning horizon, and is the first State energy plan since 2002. The transition to a clean energy economy is a core component of Governor Paterson’s New Economy Jobs Plan, and is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in New York.

WEST VIRGINIA–Establishes REC Trading Platform
House Bill 408D, signed into law on December 7th, requires the Public Service Commission to establish a system of tradable credits to verify and monitor the generation and sale of electricity generated from alternative and renewable energy resource facilities. The credits may be traded, sold or used to meet the portfolio standards.

WYOMING: State Rebate Program Vastly Expanded with ARRA Funds
Wyoming’s renewable-energy rebate program has provided $2,000 rebates for PV systems, funding a total of around 37 systems per year. On December 1, 2009, Wyoming announced that it would expand this program with $2.5 million in federal stimulus funds. As a result, the state will issue rebates of $2 per watt (up to $10,000) for PV and small wind, and $2,000 per ton for geothermal heat pumps. Applications will be accepted in June 2010 (see DSIRE record).

Feature: Dr. Stephanie Smith, Delaware Technical Community College

Dr. Stephanie Smith, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) has been influential in helping develop green energy educational offerings at the college in an amazingly short time.  When we met at the 3^rd New Ideas conference in Albany last month, and though it was the opening plenary, Smith was already loaded down with papers.  It’s no surprise that DTCC has moved up so quickly in the green workforce training community.   MORE

Interview:  Chris Warfel: trainer, installer, designer, solar oyster farmer

It was 20 years ago when Christopher Warfel, Principal of ENTECH Engineering, responded to a request from his brother to conduct an energy audit at the school at which he (the brother) taught.  The audit went well—well enough that Warfel ended up writing a grant for new windows, lighting and a new furnace for the school, ultimately launching his energy career.  MORE

Of Note…

Solar ABCs Newsletter
The Solar America Board for Codes and Standard’s December 2009 Newsletter is available through the Solar ABCs.

SRCC Looking for Executive DIrector
The Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC), a nonprofit standards organization that certifies and rates performance of solar (thermal) energy products, is looking for an executive director (ED).  SRCC offices are located in Cocoa, Florida. though location for the ED is flexible. Desired start date is January 1, 2010. The position will remain open until filled.

DOE Webinar December 16:  Introduction to Performance Contracting
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is offering a Web seminar on how state and local governments can use funding from the 2009 Recovery Act to establish performance contracts for energy efficiency on Wednesday, December 16, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and is titled “Introduction to Performance Contracting. Dustin Knutson, performance contracting trainer with the DOE Federal Energy Management Program, and Jim Arwood, director of the Arizona Energy Office will present.  The webinar is free, but you must register to attend.

DOE Launches Open Energy Information Website
DOE’s new open-source web platform will make DOE resources and open energy data widely available to the public.  The Open Energy Information Platform also links to VIBE(TM), virtual information bridge to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

EPA to Host Webinar on Green Power Purchasing Aggregations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Green Power Partnership will host a Webinar on aggregating demand for green power at 1 pm ET on 1/28/10.  There is no fee for this workshop, but you must register to attend.

On our radar…

Power Purchase Agreement Checklist for State and Local Governments; Energy Analysis; Fact Sheet (NREL – October 2009)
This fact sheet is one of a series on financing renewable energy projects. It provides information and guidance on the solar PV power purchase agreement, which is a financing mechanism that state and local government entities can use to acquire clean, renewable energy.

Next 10 releases ‘Many Shades of Green,’ a green jobs inventory in CA
Many Shades of Green, a new report from Next 10, outlines the green jobs inventory across the entire State of California, tracking recent data on green companies, job type, location and growth.

6th Annual SANDEE Awards
The San Diego Excellence in Energy (SANDEE) Awards recognize outstanding projects and activities that have achieved significant energy savings and/or contributions toward the goals of the San Diego Regional Energy Strategy 2030 through the implementation of energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy measures and CO₂ reduction in San Diego County.  Awards are given in nine categories.  Applications are due 1/18/10.

Upcoming Events

1/15/10   Deadline to submit applications for NABCEP solar PV and solar thermal certifying exams

2/3-2/5  RETECH 2010, Washington, DC, hosted by ACORE

2/17-2/19  CoSEIA Annual Conference & Expo, Lakewood, CO

The State & Stakeholder Newsletter is published electronically on a semi-monthly basis by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.  To subscribe to this newsletter, click here and follow the instructions. There is no fee for subscriptions.  If you have comments or news items, please send them to Jane Pulaski.

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

FAIR USE NOTICE

This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/ 17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, get IREC’s State & Stakeholder newsletter.

Thanks for reading.

In this Issue…

State/Local Headlines

CALIFORNIA – CSI releases 2nd Grant Funding Solicitation for the CSI RD&D Program
This second solicitation focuses on improved PV production technologies and innovative new business models, focusing on testing and demonstration of new solar technologies with improved performance/reliability or lower costs, and testing and demonstration of innovative business models that help support expansion of cost-competitive solar technologies by reducing costs or increasing value of the solar system to owners or utilities.  Up to $15 million is expected to be available.  Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. (PST) on January 13, 2010.  Read the full solicitation.

CONNECTICUT – CT Solar Lease Program Flirts with Funding Limit
The CT Solar Lease Program, which began in August 2008, is nearing its funding limit. With more than 550 active installations and an additional 165 recent applications, program administrators announced that they are implementing a reservation system for the remaining funds (which will support approximately 100 additional installations). Furthermore, as of December 31, 2009, the CT Solar Lease Program will not accept new applications until the reservation system is fully implemented (see DSIRE record).

FLORIDA – Solar Rebate Program Out of Cash
The Florida Solar Energy System Incentives Program has run out of funding (again). The program received $14.4 million in federal stimulus funds; this fresh funding was used to provide rebates for systems already in the program application queue. There is no longer any funding available for this program, and the program is slated to expire in June 2010 unless re-authorized by the state legislature.

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Business Energy Loan Fund Unveiled
The New Hampshire Business Finance Authority (BFA) has been selected by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission to establish a revolving loan program for businesses to finance energy efficiency upgrades. The program is supported with state proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auctions. All businesses, including non-profits, are eligible to apply. The terms are flexible, and the BFA will work with interested applicants to customize a loan package that results in increased energy efficiency and financial savings for the company. Interested companies should contact BFA directly for more information (see DSIRE record).

NEW YORK – PACE Financing Authorized
New York has enacted legislation authorizing counties, towns, cities and villages to offer “loans” for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements, which may be repaid through a separate charge on municipal tax bills. This financing mechanism is generally referred to as “property-assessed clean energy” (PACE) financing. New York’s authorizing legislation requires energy audits to identify cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy feasibility studies to be performed prior to the installation of any renewable energy system. Eligible renewables include PV, solar thermal, wind, geothermal and fuel cells (see DSIRE record).

NEW YORK - Dairy Power Summit to Make Methane Digesters in NYS a Reality
More than 200 experts in dairy production, engineering, environmental science, financing, legislation and policy, and green energy business met at the New York Dairy Power Summit: Creating a Greener, Cleaner Future in Syracuse, NY on October 29-30 to explore and accelerate opportunities for U.S. dairy farmers to use cow manure methane biogas to generate reliable, cost-effective renewable electricity.  Read more.

VIRGINIA – Renewable-Energy Rebate Program Fully Subscribed
The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy is no longer accepting reservation applications for renewable-energy rebates. This $15 million program, funded via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was fully subscribed in two weeks (see DSIRE record).

WISCONSIN – 2010 DSF RFP for Renewable Energy Demonstration Grant Project
Wisconsin’s Department of Administration (DOA) Division of State Facilities (DSF) requests applications for projects that demonstrate and promote the development of renewable energy resources in the State of Wisconsin.  The DSF will consider projects for Demonstration and Development that will directly involve the energy- related operations of the institution by addressing clean energy production. Demonstration and development projects include wind turbine and/or photovoltaic power systems.  Proposals due 2/1/10.  Award announcement 2/14/10.  Application submissions should be made via e-mail: attn: Renewable Energy Systems Cheryl.Rezabek@Wisconsin.gov, ph. 608.261.7754.  Download the solicitation.

WISCONSIN – OEI issues RFA for Clean Transportation Program
The Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence (OEI), in partnership with Wisconsin Clean Cities – Southeast Area, requests applications for the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program, aimed to achieve significant reductions in fuel and emissions in Wisconsin by providing $15 million to support for the increased use of alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs) and advanced-technology vehicles; and the installation of infrastructure necessary to directly support AFVs or advanced-technology vehicles.  Proposal due Wednesday, December 30, 2009 – 5:00PM Central Time.  Download the RFA.

Feature

IREC’s Jane Weissman reports on the enthusiasm and challenges at the 3rd national Green Workforce Education Conference
More than 500 participants from across the U.S. and Europe packed plenary and breakout sessions at the third New Ideas in Educating a Workforce in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Conference, November 19-20 in New York’s capital city to hear national leaders in renewable education and training share valuable, updated information and insight into all aspects of building and maintaining a quality, credentialed, safety-conscience green workforce. Presentations now available.

Interview

Dr. Mary Spilde, President, Lane Community College, who opened the New Ideas Conference in Albany on November 19th, talks with IREC about Lane’s values of sustainability, learning, collaboration and partnership.  Read more.

Of Note

Mark Mrhos, SunPower Senior Manager of Training, receives 2009 Mark Fitzgerald Memorial Award in Albany
A preeminent specialist in PV training, having worked in PV for over 35 years and conducted programs in 23 countries, Mrhos has been conducting installation, design and sales training programs for SunPower’s dealer network since 2006.  Under his direction, the training has evolved into a sophisticated program that offers professional certifications.  Read more.

December 10 webinar: DOE Solar Market Transformation Program
DOE’s Solar Market Transformation Program promotes the commercialization of solar technologies by addressing the non-technical issues that act as barriers to the adoption of solar energy technologies.  This free webinar at 2 pm EST on December 10th will include special updates on Solar America Cities, Solar America Showcases, Workforce Development and State and Utility Technical Outreach efforts.  Pre-registration required.

Lakeland Electric, Regenesis Power, Hold Work Fair for Potential SDHW Installers
On December 1^st, Regenesis Power and Lakeland Electric held a job fair in Lakeland, Florida for Lakeland Electric’s (LE) innovative Solar Hot Water program.  Earlier this summer, Lakeland hired Regenesis to own, finance and maintain 15,000 solar hot water systems for customers in Lakeland Electric’s service territory.  The systems will be a mix of active and passive SHW systems, equaling about 30MW.  Regenesis is a renewable energy service company that owns and operates solar assets in the U.S.

Clean Energy Coalition, City of Ann Arbor, Launches Xseed Energy to Install Community Solar
Clean Energy Coalition (CEC), a partner organization in the City of Ann Arbor’s Solar America Cities program, is launching Xseed Energy to install the area’s first community supported solar energy project that will be installed in the Ann Arbor area in mid-2010.   This project grew out of research conducted as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar America Cities project.  Read more.

SolarTech Launches Solar Industry ‘Permitting Challenge’ to Showcase Integrated Solutions for Online Permit Applications
SolarTech convenes an industry wide competition to develop online permitting solutions that will reduce time and eliminate the redundant paperwork associated with the permitting of solar systems. This work is in-line with the consortium’s goal to reduce permitting cycle time by 50% by 2011.  Read more.

On our radar…

2009 Freeing the Grid Report released; states improving best practices that drive renewable energy markets and job growth
The 2009 Edition of Freeing the Grid, a policy guide that grades states on their current net metering and interconnection practices finds that, although net metering and interconnection policies still vary widely, states have made significant strides in adopting the best practices that drive renewable energy market growth and job creation.  Produced annually by the Network for New Energy Choices (NNEC), this year’s edition features collaboration from Vote Solar, IREC, the Solar Alliance and the North Carolina Solar Center.  Read more.

2009 Clean Edge’s Clean Energy Trends Report Focuses on Employment Opportunities in the Clean-Tech Industry; It’s a Pretty Picture
It’s scholarly, replete with eye-popping possibilities, a compelling page turner. The latest John Grisham novel? Say hello to Clean Tech Job Trends 2009, the latest report from Clean Edge Research, expounding on jobs–clean-tech, well-paying jobs emerging in the U.S., and by any stretch, it’s a very pretty picture.  Read more.

DOE’s PACE Webinar, Financing Program Support for ARRA Recipients
DOE’s PACE webinar on November 18th featured three PACE case studies from Boulder County, Berkeley FIRST, Sonoma County, along with lessons learned and a thorough resource list.  Click here to download the presentation.

Upcoming Events

12/3/09  SolarTech Permitting & Installation Symposium, Commonwealth Club, San Francisco
12/10/09 IREC webinar: DOE Solar Market Transformation Program
1/15/10   Deadline to submit applications for NABCEP solar PV and solar thermal certifying exams

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

FAIR USE NOTICE
This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/ 17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

If you want the best news about what’s going on in the states and cities, get IREC’s State & Stakeholder newsletter.

Thanks for reading.

In this Issue…

–State/Local Headlines (IREC States, Interconnection/Net Metering)

–Solar America Cities:  City of Santa Rosa’s Clean Energy Advocate

–Newsmaker Interview:  ISPQ: Building the renewable energy workforce:  A conversation with IREC’s Pat Fox

–Of Note:  PACE Programs:  States lead, feds follow

–irecusa.org Extra Extra:  IREC launches newly redesigned website

–FYI

–Events

–About this Newsletter/How to Subscribe

State/Local News

(1)  ARIZONA – City of Bullhead City issues RFQ for 50kW at City Hall
The City of Bullhead City, Arizona has initiated a solicitation for statements of qualification for design-build services of a 50kW photovoltaic system to be constructed at City Hall.  A pre-submittal conference is scheduled for November 30 and the solicitation period ends December 7. Contact Lee Creiglow, 928.763.0124 for details and to receive the RFQ packet.

(2)  CALIFORNIA – PG&E Voluntarily Expands Aggregate Cap for Net Metering
The aggregate capacity of net metered PV systems in PG&E’s service territory is scheduled to reach the state-mandated cap of 2.5% of peak demand sometime in 2010.  Efforts to amend the rules during the 2009 legislative session faltered.  While key legislators have vowed to make it a priority at the start of the 2010 session, PG&E has allayed fears of stalled projects by voluntarily increasing their aggregate capacity cap to 3.5% of peak demand (see DSIRE record).

(3) COLORADO – Xcel’s Solar*Rewards Incentive for Medium Tier 2 Projects Steps Down
Last month, Xcel announced the new declining structure for their solar PV renewable energy credit (REC) purchases through the Solar*Rewards program.  Since that time, the REC purchase price for systems between 100.1 kilowatts (kW) and 500 kW has taken its first downward step from $125/REC to $115/REC.  As of October 12, 2009, all other classes of systems are still on Step 1, but only 79 kW remains in Step 1 for customer-owned systems less than 10 kW (see DSIRE record).

(4) FLORIDA –Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption Repealed
On November 4, 2008, Florida voters approved Amendment 3.  This amendment removed the 10-year duration of the renewable energy property tax exemption for residential property. The amendment also struck the section in the state constitution that established the original guidance upon which the renewable energy property tax exemption was based.  This created a contradiction that was expected to be corrected by legislation, but was not addressed in the 2009 legislative session.  In light of this, the Florida Department of Revenue recently issued a bulletin explaining the impact of the amendment and clarifying that the Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption has been repealed.  For more information, see the bulleti (see DSIRE record).

(5) ILLINOIS – Solar Energy Rebate Program Re-opens as the Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has reopened its solar rebate program, which has been closed for approximately six months. In addition to solar, the program is now offering rebates to small wind systems.  Additionally, the cap has been increased from $10,000 to $50,000.  DCEO is encouraging applicants to reserve funds prior to making any investments to ensure eligibility for the rebates (see DSIRE record).

(6) MARYLAND – State Introduces Rebates for Mid-Size Solar
The Maryland Mid-Size Solar Program offers rebates to businesses and non-profits for the installation of PV systems ranging in capacity from 20 – 100 kilowatts (kW) and solar water heating systems with a collector area of at least 100 square feet. The PV rebates are determined according to a tiered structure which provides an incentive of $500 per kW for the first 20 kW, $250 per kW for the next 30 kW, and $150 per kW for the next 50 kW. Solar water heaters are eligible for an incentive equal to 15% of installed costs.  The maximum incentive for both technologies is $25,000 (see DSIRE record).

(7) NEW YORK – LIPA Initiates First Phase of Two-Step Incentive Reduction for PV Rebates
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) offers rebates ranging from $1.00 – $4.50 per watt for residential, commercial, non-profit, and government-owned PV systems under the Solar Pioneer and Solar Entrepreneur programs. The utility recently capped rebates at 50% of installed costs, although the schedule used to calculate incentives remains the same. It has been reported that a second phase of reductions will take place in January 2010, with that phase reducing incentives on a per watt basis (see DSIRE record).

(8)  NEW YORK – Legislature Passes PACE
In a special session held, New York State lawmakers unanimously passed legislation authorizing municipal loan programs for renewable and energy efficiency improvements on homes and Businesses.  Called PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing, these municipal programs allow homeowners to go solar and make efficiency improvements without any upfront cost (source:  The Vote Solar Initiative).

(9) OREGON – Energy Trust of Oregon Solar PV Rebate Program Incentive Decreases
In recent months, Energy Trust of Oregon has experienced an increased demand for rebates and has reduced the incentive offered to individual systems so that the rebate program does not run out of funds.  As of November 9, 2009, Energy Trust of Oregon’s Solar Electric Buy-Down Program incentives for residential, commercial, industrial, non-profit and government systems decreased by approximately $0.50/watt.  The maximum cap on the incentives available to commercial, industrial, non-profit and government systems also declined.  In addition, third-party owned systems, both at the residential and commercial scale, are now eligible to receive this incentive (see DSIRE record).

(10)  OREGON – Oregon Department of Energy Issues Temporary Administrative Rules for Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC)
In November 2009, the Oregon Department of Energy adopted temporary administrative rules (effective from November 3, 2009, to May 1, 2010) for the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC).  These rules more stringently define criteria for separate and distinct facilities for the purpose of applying for multiple credits. The new rules also allow the Oregon Department of Energy to revoke certificates and recapture the tax credit if a project does not produce the amount of energy, jobs, or conservation described in the application. Any projects that have not been pre-certified by November 3, 2009 are subject to the new rules (see DSIRE record).

(11) SOUTH CAROLINA – Progress Energy Offers Commercial Solar Water Heating Incentive in South Carolina
Progress Energy Carolinas (PEC) is now offering an incentive for their non-residential customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to install solar water heating systems. This incentive was already available in North Carolina and has recently been expanded to include South Carolina customers, as well.  PEC will pay $20 for each renewable energy credit (REC) generated by the solar water heating system for a period of 10 years (see DSIRE record).

(12) VIRGINIA – Reservation Period for Rebates Now Open
The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) is utilizing up to $15 million over three years to provide rebates on solar thermal heating, solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and small wind systems. The funding was made available from the State Energy Program allocation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  As of November 4, 2009, the reservation period for these rebates is open. This is the first required step in order to qualify for a rebate. Funds will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis (see DSIRE record: residential see DSIRE record: commercial).

Solar America Cities: The City of Santa Rosa’s clean energy advocate

Even if you live in a county where your GHG emissions reduction targets are 25% below 1990 levels by 2015, your Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) is one of four successful local government property assessed clean energy programs in the U.S., and your solar installation goal is 25MW in by 2011, you still aren’t satisfied.  MORE

Newsmaker Interview:  ISPQ: Building the renewable energy workforce:  A conversation with IREC’s Pat Fox

It’s been busier than usual for IREC’s renewable energy training and accreditation department.    IREC’s Annual Meeting and Solar Power International 2009 conference in Anaheim last month was an impressive gathering of the industry—nearly 25K attendees and some 1,000 exhibitors, many of whom, it seemed, were talking about building the green workforce.  IREC is actually doing it.  MORE

Of Note:  PACE Programs:  States lead, feds follow

The PACE program is the trendiest state policy development over the last year, according to IREC’s 2009 Updates & Trends report released last month in Anaheim at its Annual Meeting.  MORE

irecusa.org:  Extra, Extra! IREC launches newly redesigned website

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council has just launched a redesigned website.  The home page features IREC’s six key program areas in distinctive boxes, described in easy-to-understand language, making navigation on the site easy.  IREC’s overall goal was to organize, economize and communicate who it is and what it does.  MORE

FYI

(13)  City of Santa Rosa Completes Phase II of its Fuel from Aquatic Biomass (FAB) Project
The City of Santa Rosa was an IREC Innovation Awardee in 2008 for its Fuel from Aquatic Biomass (FAB) project. Since then, the City recently finished building Phase II of the project, which was constructed to investigate the means of extracting usable energy from harvested algae and aquatic vegetation growing in municipal wastewater.

(14) REV Seeks Executive Director
Renewable Energy Vermont is looking for a full-time Executive Director. Click here to download the application. Position will remain open until filled. Contact hratrev@gmail.com for information.

(15)  ASES extends deadline to be a presenter at the 2010 conference
Deadline to submit proposals to be a presenter is Friday, November 20, 2009.  The conference is May 17-22, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(16) TAP Webcasts: State of the States 2009, and Invitation to PACE Programs
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is offering two free webinars on Wednesday, November 18:
–State of the States 2009: shows state rankings for adoption of renewable energy technologies and gives an overview of state policies that support renewable energy development on Wednesday, November 18, 3–4:15 p.m. ET.   Register

–Introduction to Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing Programs:  Property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing programs enable local governments to raise money through the issuance of bonds or other sources of capital to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.  Wednesday, November 18, 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. ET.  Register

(17)  World Bank:  Looking for a Program Coordinator for the Scaling Up Renewable Energy for Low Income Countries under the Strategic Climate Fund Framework
Program Coordinator at the World Bank (Washington, D.C.) to coordinate with Multilateral Development Banks (MDB’s), and donors, and conduct technical and operational work with client countries and energy teams across the Bank.  Closing date: 12/8/09; three-year assingment.

(18)  Q&A for EECBG available from CA Energy Commission
The Questions and Answers document posted recently for the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program has been revised with the addition of information about the Davis-Bacon Act.  Visit the Energy Commission’s website to download the latest version of the Q&As.  The Q&As may undergo additional changes in the future.

EVENTS Calendar

For a more complete listing of events, click the calendar icon on the IREC home page.

About this Newsletter/How to Subscribe

The State & Stakeholder Newsletter is published electronically on a semi-monthly basis by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.  To subscribe to this newsletter, click here and follow the instructions. There is no fee for subscriptions.  If you have comments or news items, please send them to Jane Pulaski.

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

FAIR USE NOTICE
This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a ‚ fair use‚ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/ 17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.