State & Stakeholder Newsletter, Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Volume #8, Issue #24 Editor: Jane Pulaski The IREC State & Stakeholder Newsletter tracks a range of market-oriented news, services and outreach tools valuable to the renewable energy community. This free newsletter is distributed semi-monthly to email subscribers and published on IREC’s website. If you have comments or if you would like…
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Volume #8, Issue #24
Editor: Jane Pulaski
The IREC State & Stakeholder Newsletter tracks a range of market-oriented news, services and outreach tools valuable to the renewable energy community. This free newsletter is distributed semi-monthly to email subscribers and published on IREC’s website. If you have comments or if you would like to submit a news item, email Jane Pulaski.
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 [email protected], 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 1st, 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
About this Newsletter/How to Subscribe
The State & Stakeholder Newsletter is published electronically on a semi-monthly basis by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc.. 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, Inc. (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.
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