For some, December probably meant eggnogs, football, relatives, etc. For the California solar industry, it meant a record month of rooftop, behind-the-meter solar. There were over 36 MW of customer-owned installations–the highest since the California Solar Initiative’s inception, and over 130 MW worth of incentive applications. Details on the California Solar Statistics site, here.

This is all the more remarkable, since residential solar incentives have been reduced (as scheduled) from $4.50/W to between 25 cents and 35 cents/W. And the non-residential incentives are 4.4 cents/kWh of generation, for 5 years (equivalent to a 5-year, 4.4 cent/kWh SREC contract).

Note that this does not include all the wholesale solar installations (RPS/RAM/FIT).

Sure beats rumcake.

Vote Solar is a non-profit grassroots organization working to fight climate change and foster economic opportunity by bringing solar energy into the mainstream.

Related posts:

• California Exhausts Rooftop Solar Incentive Fund
• Hawaii Solar Power Community Celebrates Favorable Ruling
• 22 Regions Across America Race to the Rooftop for Solar Power
• Small Solar Means Big Economic Benefits in Nevada
• Solar Homeowners Wary of Meager Incentives from Utilities

Recently many EV observers have been disappointed by pricing for two plug-in electric vehicles. First, the Toyota Prius plug-in announced a price of $32,760 (including destination charge), which is about $3,000 higher than I had hoped to see. Last week, Ford announced the Focus EV price of $39,995 (including destination charge). Again, this price is a disappointment as I had hoped Ford, with its claimed plant flexibility, would be able to provide pricing that matched or bested the Nissan LEAF (a custom EV platform) at $37,250 (SL model). Suddenly, $40,000 for a Volt, CODA Automotive’s $45,000 Sedan and even $57,400 for the more luxurious Tesla Model S do not seem as uncompetitive.

I have said before that the PEV market needs lower prices. The Ford Focus EV, priced at $39,995, is $16,500 above the equivalent packaged gas-powered Focus (Titanium package). With all the power electronics and software (inverter, charger, BMS, etc.), the motor, a 23 kWh battery pack, and Li-ion battery prices of nearly $800/kWh, these costs are not at all surprising. Similarly, the Prius plug-in is priced about $5,400 more than a Prius Four, though these packages are not quite identical. Again, add the power electronics, the 4.4 kWh Li-ion pack, and telematics, and the Prius’ price is about what you’d expect. This increasingly indicates that Nissan may in fact be running a deficit on their LEAF program, despite their assertions to the contrary.

These high prices lead to questions about the viability of PEVs for mass adoption. While some are already speculating on the collapse of the PEV market, it is too early to claim the market as a failure. How will the market make it past the early adopter stage and grow more mainstream? Aside from old-school incentives, there are four main tactics that automakers can pursue:

1) In the very near term (approximately 2012-2013), high residual values and low lease rates in the PEV market will play an important role in attracting consumers;

2) In the near to mid-term (2012-2015), increasing connectivity and other unique features or technologies to PEVs will attract increasingly mainstream interest (Ford’s success with SYNC could be considered proof-of-concept for this);

3) In the mid-term (2014-2016), utilizing PEVs to capitalize on credits towards government regulations for more strict fuel economy and emissions rules (for California Air Resource Board’s ZEV mandate as well as CAFE rules);

4) In the longer-term (2015 and later), the cost of ownership of PEVs will have to become even more favorable with a combination of lower manufacturing costs, lower battery costs, stable electricity costs, and higher petroleum costs.

The disappointment in pricing for PEVs so far seems likely to be repeated as Honda, Hyundai, and VW get in the game in the next two years. While these sticker prices may be tough for some to swallow in the early years, the real test of market sustainability will be prices for 2015 and 2016 model year PEVs. If PEV prices aren’t starting to fall significantly as battery costs begin to flatten out in the mid-$500’s, the viability of PEVs as a mainstream vehicle will be more widely questioned.

Article by Dave Hurst, appearing courtesy the Matter Network.

Related posts:

• Consumers Back Big Brands, Says Sustainability Survey
• Interactive Devices To Be Used to Spur Consumers Toward Energy Efficiency
• California Climate Bill Should Give Cash to Consumers
• Power to the People: Green Mobs Take Hold
• Carbon Tax – Should It Be Seriously Considered?

Yesterday morning Paula Mints from Navigant Consulting shared her insights on the latest global solar PV market trends with us – a timely webinar topic given the highly publicized fallout from those very global market dynamics. Paula put a firm kibosh on assertions that the aforementioned Solyndra failure heralds the end of solar: “We have started something in this industry, and it will move forward.” Given the magnitude of what we’re undertaking, that path forward won’t be without its challenges. It’s the nature of revolutionizing the global power industry.

We’re in a time of high PV module inventory levels, particularly in Europe where generous incentive programs have been trimmed. Continued incentive reductions and abrupt changes on many major programs around the world are driving continued downward pressure on solar prices. As a result, module costs have come down. Way down. Those aggressive market dynamics are particularly painful for some – most notably for a series of high-profile recent bankruptcies: Solyndra, Evergreen and Spectawatt. For all the hubub around Solyndra’s closure, the reality is they supplied 50 MW – that’s not even a statistically relevant blip on the gigawatts-sized global PV landscape. The price dynamics that caused its failure, however, are not to be overlooked. It’s tough for many manufacturers to make a buck these days. Those challenging dynamics will settle out to more sustainable levels as solar continues to grow and policy certainty is re-established. And in the meantime, solar’s new price point has been good for consumers and market expansion here in the U.S.

Diving deeper into the various countries that comprise that global picture – it’s important to note just how much feed-in tariff driven European markets have dominated demand. The EU claims a whopping 80% of the global market. But with European incentive programs on the decline, the industry needs to open new markets in order to continue to grow. That includes the U.S., still a relatively small player on the global solar stage.

We can expect to see continued volatility on the supply side until the market comes to terms with the new reality of lower incentive levels. Paula reminds us that this is actually the old reality. For much of the solar industry’s history it has functioned without the order of magnitude of incentives its experienced over the past few years. And of course here in the U.S. we’ve continued to function without those sizable incentives. As such she asserts that U.S. companies are well-positioned for continued success. Anyone succeeding in the U.S. market has already had plenty of experience making innovative use of a relatively small incentive pool to deliver real value to customers. In short, we can’t miss what we didn’t have. Combine that know-how with what remains a huge potential solar power market, and the U.S. remains on her list of healthy markets.

So what do we need to keep driving this global PV market of tomorrow forward? We need business model and BOS innovation to keep solar costs coming down while providing healthier manufacturing margins. We need continued private and public investment in next-generation technologies. And first and foremost, we need to help utilities, investors and policymakers better understand solar power. That includes a reality check about the true costs of conventional and nuclear energy – subsidies included – so we can have a fact-based conversation about solar’s economic competitiveness.

Educate, educate, educate. Solar has strong facts to back up its claims of value, ROI and success (here’s our own set of favorite factoids). There’s no need to be anything but accurate. We hope you’ll consider it your task as solar industry participants, solar advocates and solar supporters of all shapes and sizes to spread the word: solar is ready and able to play a growing role in our nation’s energy economy.

Vote Solar is a non-profit grassroots organization working to fight climate change and foster economic opportunity by bringing solar energy into the mainstream.

Related posts:

• Ford Transit Connect To Become All-Electric Van in 2010
• Inductive Charging Offers Advantages in Electric Transportation
• Italy’s Solar Market Exceeds Expectations: 6 GWs in 2010
• Europe Unveils Plans for Single Energy Market Within 10 Years
• European Wind Industry Trends, EWEC, Part I

Although it’s only August, the electric vehicle market has the feeling of coming into the home stretch for the year. We have seen the race for plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) glory boil down to the Leaf and Volt this year, with the Volt sputtering a bit earlier than expected. We have seen numerous delays pushing new launches back months (I am looking in your direction, Coda, Fisker, Ford, and Toyota). All of this has left the PEV market feeling a bit underwhelming for 2011. Particularly when you consider that the President has given the market a goal of 1 million PEVs on the road in four and half short years – 8,000 down, 992,000 sales to go.

You can probably see where I am going with this. My colleague John Gartner and I recently completed the forecasts for PEVs and expect that the U.S. market will reach 667,000 PEVs sold by 2015. In fact, we anticipate that the goal of 1 million vehicles is almost slipping out of reach at this point without substantial shake up in the market in the next couple years. What do I see as the potential market shake-ups?

1. New models

So far, the only two mainstream models available compete in similar segments and have similar packaging. Market delays for competitors means lost time towards meeting this goal. In the last couple of weeks, we have seen several new model announcements a bit earlier than typical (although “typical” has been thrown out the window recently) with BMW’s i8 and i3 releases and Cadillac’s announcement of the ELR plug-in hybrid. But these are not going to be the “substantial shake-ups” that the politicians need for the market to meet their goals. So, where are the potential shake-ups? Toyota’s Prius PHV, if it’s priced right, has the potential to turn many current Prius owners into plug-in owners. Ford’s multi-vehicle platform could prove a winner too, but the C-Max bodystyle is still yet to be tested in the U.S. mass market.

2. Faster production ramp-up

GM claims that the Volt is out selling its production, which seems likely true, but then added capacity and lower production costs have to follow soon. Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant will have the capacity for 150,000 Leaf’s per year, but production is not scheduled to start until late 2012 and could even be delayed into 2013. In the meantime, expect Americans to remain hungry for the Leaf as production gets allocated across the globe. (As a side note, I would bet that you can expect a facelift for the Leaf about then too, as it seems hard to believe Nissan would start a plant with tooling for a three year old vehicle, but stranger things have happened.) If production capacity can be increased and production costs can be lower, that would likely have a transformative affect on the availability of PEV models in the next few years.

3. Better pricing

Whether that is via government purchase incentives, lower battery costs, or good old-fashioned vehicle incentives (financing, rebates, dealer cash, et cetera), the price for PEVs has to come down. Batteries are the cost drivers and are therefore held as the Holy Grail for cost reductions in PEVs. In the meantime, fixing the flawed federal purchase incentive program or reducing the price to generate interest seems the most likely short-term tools. GM recently announced that the 2012 Volt will see a price decrease of about $1,000 (every little bit helps), while Nissan announced a $500-$1,000 price increase to the Leaf. The competition, specifically Toyota, seems poised to put these two on notice with significantly better pricing for what many will consider a competitive choice (I do realize that these three vehicles are very different animals, but at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is whose dealers customers comparison shop between). Others like the $45,000 Coda or $57,000 Tesla will price many buyers out of the market, regardless of how good the vehicles are.

While there are a lot of challenges to launching vehicles, setting prices, and establishing production, the bottom line is that the current market is not on track to meet the political goals. And, it looks from here that the blame belongs to the supply side of the equation.

Article by Dave Hurst, appearing courtesy the Matter Network.

Related posts:

• More Than 1 Million Electric Cars Projected to Be on Asian Roads by 2015
• Volvo Introduces a Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
• Not Refueling is Reason Enough to Rent an EV
• How Much Will Consumers Pay for EVs?
• Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles

The Solar Northeast is heating up. To stay current this summer we’ll be giving updates on Wednesdays, covering what is new and exciting from various markets found in the Northeast. We think solar makes excellent beach reading.

First up: Connecticut

Connecticut – A hard earned win

The Background: With the highest electricity rates in the country, new generation and transmission being hard to site, and very few other instate renewable choices, solar was always a nice fit for the nutmeg state.

In 2008 a group of stakeholders, of which Vote Solar was a member, convened to get recommendations for costs, benefits and best approaches for the future. We even got a study out of it. (Sound familiar?)

By the close of the next session in 2009 we had a bill that called for approx ~ 300 MW of solar. Unanimous passage in the House, but stalled in the Senate.

In 2010 we had unified support in both the House and the Senate and very similar bill structure. Late hour votes in both houses passed the bill. Unfortunately, it was vetoed by the Governor. We are told largely because of matters not related to the solar provisions.

Which brings us to this session. With a new governor set to make energy a big priority, advocates felt optimistic.

The Bill: SB1243 passed. And it is a doozy. Have a look for yourself (pdf, and hefty one at 180+ pages).

There are some important provisions and issues related to solar. Everything will hinge on the implementation process, and Vote Solar aims to be at the table.

* Residential Market: provides for 30 MW by 2022. It should turn out to be a nice steady market, but consistency will be important.

- The is a call for CSI style installation block program. That is, as certain megawatt targets are met, the incentives drop down. This is a responsible approach to building this market segment. However, the entity known as the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (which will merge with other agencies as a result of the bill) has the ability to monitor and change this on an annual basis. We feel pretty strongly that too much tinkering with any market leads to disruption.

- Residential solar customers have a choice:

A) Participate in the rec market

or

B) Take an upfront rebate

But they can’t take both. Local installers are unclear so far as to which is preferred and this will be something to watch.

* The so called Z-REC Market (Zero Emissions)

Here is where things get tricky. First of all you have to understand this: legislators in Connecticut – as so many states – are extremely concerned with solar’s ability to meet goals and targets in a least cost fashion. (Despite having shown this here, here, and well you get the point).

So what the meat of this boils down to is the legislature saying, “Put your money where your mouth is.”

- RECs have a two-year life

- Price cap of $350/REC in 2012; regulators can lower price cap by 3% to 7% annually between 2013 and 2017

- Spending requirements for companies (essentially $8 million a year)

* 2012 – $8 million
* 2013 – $16 million
* 2014 – $24 million
* 2015 – $32 million
* After year 4, regulators will consider several factors to determine future spending requirements (stipulated guidelines are provided)

- Procurement solicitations

* Up to 100 kW
* 100 to 250 kW
* 250 to 1,000 kW

- Preference given to competitive bidding for systems above 50 kW ranked in terms of NPV

- Systems up to 50 kW are eligible to receive REC price equal to the weighted average accepted bid price in most recent solicitation for systems between 50 and 200 kW, plus an additional 10%

- Noncompliance fees in effect

Here’s the rub. First, we expect the RECs to trend very closely to the compliance payment price. Second, with a fixed price set to spend each year to procure solar, essentially the only growth in the market will occur with price declinations in solar.

Our conservative estimates paint this as — at least — a 20 mw per year market. But two things could blow that estimate way out of the water.

1. Connecticut will be one of the first states to reach retail grid parity.

2. Solar will have to continue to get cheaper in order for this to work.

Like we said, the solar northeast is heating up.

Vote Solar is a non-profit grassroots organization working to fight climate change and foster economic opportunity by bringing solar energy into the mainstream.

Related posts:

• Northeast US a Smart Energy Testing Ground
• Solar Economy Growing, NY and CT Slowing
• East Coast States Again Dominate Awards for Efficiency
• High Speed Rail at 90 mph?! ARRA & the Northeast Corridor
• How Do We Know When Solar Becomes a Mainstream Energy Source?

One of the most powerful drivers for the growing commercial solar market is the rising cost of electricity.  If you are a small business owner in the Northeast with a painfully high electricity bill that rises year after year, solar power could be a smart way to lower your costs today and lock in low rates for the future. 

The problem is that you have no idea where to start and you don’t have time to spend sorting through the decisions required to purchase a solar power system.  You could look up a series of solar installers, interview them, check their references, get multiple quotes, read through the detailed contracts, and compare financing options, hoping to produce the best return on investment.  But you really hadn’t planned on spending that much of your time on going solar, so you put it off for later. Often later never comes. Working with a solar broker, a new solar business model, may help businesses go solar and start saving money now rather than not at all.

A variety of factors are making solar increasingly cost effective for homeowners, business owners and landlords.  One factor has been the rising price of electricity in many states, often those that have faced deregulation of the electricity market.  Subsidies that many states provide are another important factor like Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), and the adoption of Renewable Portfolio Standards that create a market for SRECs.  The combination of financial incentives and high energy costs have driven the rapid growth of solar in California for many years, and are driving the current rapid growth of solar power in New Jersey today.  Several additional states in the Northeast appear equally promising as new centers of solar growth in the months and years ahead.

For the business owner thinking of going solar, the questions include:

• With so many manufacturers of PV panels now, how can you decide which PV panels are the most efficient, weather-resistant and the best overall value?
• Is my commercial property well-suited to installation of PV?
• Do I have the time to meet with many solar salesmen and installers to understand the many options and get the best value?
• How long does it take for PV panels to pay for themselves?
• Would purchasing panels or working through a power purchase agreement provide the best returns on a solar investment?

To help business owners answer these questions and make the adoption of solar power easier, an innovative business model has sprung up in the alternative energy field: solar energy brokering. With a solar broker, you have a single contact who guides you through the whole process, saving you time and frustration, and probably saving you money.

Typically people must themselves contact solar installers and interview them to decide which installer seems to provide the best value.  A solar broker makes the whole process easier, operating like independent insurance agents who educate customers about coverages and help them to identify their particular needs. Solar brokers can also assist with obtaining rebates and incentives. The solar broker acting as an independent agent is an alternative to a direct-sell company that markets and sells directly to the end-customer. But, in contrast to salesmen who represent one solar installer, solar brokers may also work with many solar manufacturers and installers to provide the greatest number of options.

Prime Solar Network based in New Jersey is one business developing the solar broker business model to help businesses and homeowners save money.

“Property owners can try to become an expert when they take the time to meet with several solar companies and compare different design and material options, and different prices for installations or options of financing,” said Tim Cassidy, CEO of Prime Solar Network. “Alternatively, they can rely on experts to do the competitive bidding for them and supply an easy to read report with conclusions on the options. We offer the latter, which sure seems to be the logical choice.”

As long as experts predict that the cost of electricity will continue to rise, businesses will continue to need financially sound solutions like solar.  And with time always a precious resource for businesses, talking to a solar broker could be the easiest way for them to make this happen.

Glenn Croston is the author of “75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make a Difference, and the founder of Starting Up Green (www.startingupgreen.com), helping businesses to stat green and grow greener.

Related posts:

• What Does the Bankruptcy of Solyndra Mean for the Future of the US Solar Industry?
• Unleashing Rooftop Solar Energy through More Efficient Government
• Energy Information Helps Save Money and the Planet
• Entrepreneur Creates Energy Efficient Air Conditioner to Help Consumers Save Money
• Its Venture Capital Jim, but not as we know it….

Considering switching to solar power in your house? Great, we like the sound of that. In order to make your transition to solar power a happier experience, we asked the folks at Batteries in a Flash for a few tips.

1 – Get Professional Help
This will help you in many ways. First, solar professionals will help you optimize your panel position relative to the sun so you maximize the energy your panels produce. Furthermore, you will avoid any pitfalls and likely complications that you will inevitably run into as an amateur installer. In addition, having a professional deal with the then necessary permits and paperwork will pay for itself, professionals can even aid in getting financing and walk you through all the rebates and incentives and make sure your solar project qualifies.

2 – Consider Financing or Leasing
Solar projects are a major investment so it’s important to understand all the options you have available to you as most solar installations cost over $10,000 even considering incentives. This can help you reduce the initial start up cost and let you benefit from solar power earlier you may have thought. A solar professional would be a good source of information to get your options in regards to financing and leasing.

3 – Do The Math
Understanding what you can make with an investment in solar power is not a simple process and a simple calculation will not do the trick. How much sunlight your solar panels will get is something a solar professional will be able to calculate upon visiting your home. Having a good understanding of the costs and savings associated with solar power should give you the confidence to move forward when everything lines up.

Article by Antonio Pasolini, a Brazilian writer and video art curator based in London, UK. He holds a BA in journalism and an MA in film and television.

Related posts:

• Switching an Electric Car Battery in About One Minute
• San Antonio Utility Increases Order to 400 MW of Solar
• Progress Energy Accepting Applications for Solar Power Rebates
• Earth Hour Clouded in Nuclear Angst
• Five Green Ways to Reduce Your Household Bills

Most developers view electricity and other utility costs as a liability, a cost of doing business in real estate. This does not have to be the case. In fact, there has been no better time to use energy management and on-site electricity generation as opportunities not only to reduce operating costs, but potentially make a profit on energy. Below I outline four major opportunities to turn energy into gold: energy efficiency; energy choice; demand management; and on-site renewable energy production. 

Energy efficient construction or building upgrades, combined with demand management, are the most cost-effective way to reduce energy bills and get better return on investment from your property.

There have been several studies which have determined which systems are most cost-effective in terms of return on investment for commercial and multifamily projects.   According to a detailed study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy on energy savings in Pennsylvania,[1] multi-family properties can potentially save ten percent or more of electricity costs through cost-efficient upgrades to efficient lighting, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and water heating systems. Additional savings in natural gas are also available, up to 46% savings relative to a reference case. The primary areas of cost-effective saving of natural gas are through insulation and high efficiency heaters and boilers. 

Commercial buildings can see a similar savings profile. The most energy savings for commercial buildings come from HVAC systems, energy efficient lighting and building shell changes. Cost-effective HVAC systems, energy efficient lighting and building shell changes can potentially represent a 21% energy cost savings for commercial buildings. 

Now is an ideal time to invest in energy efficient construction or building upgrades because the financial incentives available for energy efficient systems have never been better. The Federal government provides a tax deduction of $.30-$1.20 per square foot for the energy efficient building systems[2], as well as accelerated depreciation for the systems.[3] In addition, incentives received from state and utility programs are exempted from federal taxes.[4]

      Most states and many utilities have programs to incentivize energy efficient construction and building upgrades as well. The utility programs are often overlooked, and they can be quite generous. A quick review of your utility’s website should have an overview of the available incentives in your area. These incentives can include building energy audits, discounts on energy efficient systems, rebates, loan programs and many more. 

      Finally, the Great Recession has a silver lining with respect to energy efficiency projects. Labor costs in the construction industry, as everyone knows, are at an all time low. This can cut the cost of projects significantly. 

     There are two more opportunities to benefit from energy: energy choice and demand management. In most states, energy is deregulated, meaning that there is a competitive market for electricity and natural gas. You should shop around for your energy. Many retail energy providers offer better prices and discounts than the default provider.

     Demand management is another way to cut energy usage. Energy demand management, also known as demand side management (DSM), are mechanisms for adjusting the quantity of use of energy consumed, particularly during times of peak demand when energy-supply systems are constrained. There are several different demand management strategies, including technology to monitor usage and onsite renewable energy production. Not only will these strategies reduce energy usage, you can potentially make a profit on your energy by selling energy back to the utility grid.   Many companies specialize in demand management and offer suites of services to capture this often overlooked value.

     In short, building owners and operators should stop looking at energy solely as a cost to be paid, but rather as a potential revenue generating opportunity. To capitalize on this opportunity, start with a free energy benchmark or energy model. You can get a sense of how your building stacks up against comparable projects or an energy baseline. From there, identify the incentives and programs through federal and state programs, as well as your local utility. Do a building energy audit to identify the specific steps you can take to upgrade your building, or work with your design and engineering professionals to select energy efficient systems for new projects. Take an active role in selecting your utility provider to get the best value. Finally, look into demand management systems to reduce use and potentially get revenue from your utility from managing load in times of peak demand. There is no better time to invest in energy management for your building to pay dividends today and return investment over the life of the building. 

Related posts:

• U.S. Geothermal Potential Mapped in New Interactive Database
• Governor Cuomo Gets Serious about Solar
• Community Center Gets a Makeover, Saves on Energy Bills
• Empire State Building to Get a Green Retrofit
• What Does ‘Greening’ a Business Have to do with Profitability?

Delaware’s industrial sector is the largest consumer of electricity in the state due to a number of energy-intensive industries such as chemical plants, a major petroleum refinery and a number of large manufacturers. As well, its entire transportation sector is petroleum fuel dependent. It was estimated that each citizen uses approximately 7.4 gallons of oil each day. In the last few years, Delaware has made an increasingly large effort to move away from their complete dependence on fossil fuels and employ more energy efficient measures while also utilizing sources of renewable energy.

1) Renewable Energy Businesses in Delaware. Delaware is home to a large number of renewable energy businesses that work on regional, national, and international levels. There is the Institute of Energy Conversion, which is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to the research and development of thin-film photovoltaic cells. Modern Earth Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells solar modular homes that provide solar power, solar venting, and solar heating. Then there is Sanmak Solar Systems, an engineering and installation company that performs energy audits for businesses and homes and then offers a comprehensive plan to make necessary energy efficient improvements to your home.

2) Financial Incentives for Businesses and Homeowners for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The state of Delaware has created a number of financial incentives to make it easier for businesses and homes to become more energy efficient and use renewable sources of energy. This includes state grant programs, such as Research and Development Grants and Technology and Demonstration Grants, as well as a Non-Residential Efficiency Plus Financing Program, a number of state rebate programs through the Sustainable Energy Utility company, including Efficiency Plus Homes and Non-Residential Efficiency Plus Rebate Program, and a number of utility rebate programs.

3) Delaware Green Energy Program. The Delaware Green Energy Program offers cash incentives to citizens of Delaware who are looking to install renewable energy systems. To participate in the Delaware Green Energy Program, citizens need to install the system of their choosing and their electricity utility company must have a program for it. The participating utilities include Delmarva Power, Delaware Electric Cooperative, and Municipal Power and the program covers photovoltaic systems, solar water heating systems, geothermal systems, and wind turbine installers.

4) Delaware Renewable Energy Task Force. Created by Bill 119, the Delaware Renewable Energy Task Force offers recommendations to the state government on how to establish trading mechanisms for renewable energy as well as other structures that will support the development and growth of renewable energy throughout the state of Delaware. It is supported by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Energy Office.

5) Renewable Energy Relief Program. Since 1999, Delaware has offered a number of incentives for individuals who elected to install geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and solar water heating pumps in an effort to lower fossil fuel dependence. However, after awhile, the state was no longer able to afford the incentives. After the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Delaware reinstated their Renewable Energy Relief Program throughout the state to support renewable energy and energy efficiency, decrease pollution, and create new employment opportunities. To receive money, you need to install an energy system after April of 2009, have an energy audit performed, and install a minimum of $500 in recommended energy efficiency improvements.

6) 2010 Update on Energy Bills. In the summer of 2010, the governor of Delaware, Jack Markell, signed four renewable energy bills that were created in an effort to grow the solar and wind power industries within the state. A number of new incentives were created to attract new investment opportunities into these industries. Incentives are also offered to solar designers, manufacturers, and installation companies. Renewable sources of energy are promoted, including the possibility of constructing a large wind park right off the coast of the state. Collin O’Mara, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said, “More than 95 percent of Delaware’s electricity comes from fossil fuels with 70 percent from coal-burning power plants. These green energy bills will help the state transition at a faster rate to renewable energy. We can dramatically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in the next 15 years and more closer to the healthy environment and green economy we want in Delaware.”

7) Delaware Technology Park. The Delaware Technology Park is a nonprofit research park that offers a number of industries, including renewable energy companies access to the necessary connections and resources required to accelerate their overall economic success. The Delaware Technology Park has assisted more than 75 companies in growing their business, and as such, has created over 15,000 new jobs throughout the state. Some renewable energy companies that have come out of the park include Standard Solar, which built the largest single solar rooftop installation in the state, NRG-Bluewater Wind, and Blue Hen Wind and Gamesa Technology Corporation.

8 ) Deleware Allows for Net Metering. In 2010 Governor of Delaware, Markell, signed an energy bill that strengthened the net metering law by boosting the total quantity of energy customers are able to sell back to the electric supply grid they are connected to. With this law, businesses and homes are able to sell back up to 110 percent of their aggregate consumption to their grid. As well, business campuses and agricultural operations are able to aggregate a number of meters for several locations in an effort to determine the total sum of power may be resold through one meter. By doing this, customers will have the opportunity to finance much larger renewable energy installations that will meet their increasing needs. Homeowner associations and other similar groups are able to cooperatively finance and create community-scale renewable energy projects on and off site.

9) Partnership between National Renewable Energy Laboratory and University of Delaware to Develop Offshore Wind Energy Research Site. In 2010, a partnership between the University of Delaware and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was created to develop an offshore wind energy research site approximately three miles off the coast of the state. The research site would enable companies to trial and test new wind technologies before setting it to market. State environmental chief, O’Mara stated that the joint partnership would create not only a near-shore research and development park, but also a rigorous facility for testing. It will provide major economic benefits for Delaware and assist in growing its alternative energy technology center.

10) Delaware Created 41 Block Grants for Solar Projects. In 2011, the governor of Delaware and the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced a number of new energy efficiency block grants, which includes a number of grants for photovoltaic projects in Sussex County. The grants receive support from the Delaware Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. The money comes from what has been set aside in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The supported projects are said to save the Delaware counties $365,000 in yearly energy costs.

Article by Shawn Lesser, Co-founder & Managing Partner of Atlanta-based Watershed Capital Group – an investment bank assisting sustainable fund and companies raise capital, perform acquisitions, and in other strategic financial decisions. He is also a Co-founder of the GCCA Global Cleantech Cluster Association ”The Global Voice of Cleantech”. He writes for various cleantech publications and is known as the David Letterman of Cleantech for his “Top 10″ series. He can be reached at shawn@watershedcapital.com

Related posts:

• Coming Attractions: CleanTechies Events Highlights
• Court Rules Against Jacobs Wind in Minnesota Eco-mark Dispute
• The Bull is Bullish on CleanTech… So?
• Fuel Cell Startup EnStorage Raises $15M Series B Financing
• Obama’s win: Bright future for CleanTech?

Maine is the largest producer of renewable energy throughout New England and has been increasingly committed to the development of bioenergy, offshore wind energy, as well as ocean wind energy resources for the national market. As such, Maine has become a national leader for the development of offshore renewable energy, bringing hundreds of clean energy megawatts to not only meet the demand of the mainland but also the large number of offshore islands as well.

1) Renewable Energy Businesses in Maine. There are a number of Maine-based renewable energy businesses throughout the state. This includes Prime Electric Motors, Inc. – a manufacturer of hydro energy systems and system components, steam turbine electric generators, and wind turbines, Solaris LLC – a residential and commercial design service for solar energy and high efficiency hot water and heating systems, and Bluebird LLC – a full service energy consulting, auditing, and renewable energy design and installation company for both residential and commercial clients.

2) Efficiency Maine. Efficiency Maine was established in 2002 by the “Act to Strengthen Energy Conservation” passed by the Maine State legislature. The goals of the act were to save energy, decrease overall energy costs, and assist the environment and promote sustainable economic development throughout the state. Through the programs supervised by Efficiency Maine, the state has had lifetime economic benefits of an estimated $400 million, has saved roughly four million megawatt hours of electricity (which is enough to power all the homes in Maine for one year), and have decreased carbon dioxide emissions by two million metric tons. The energy saving programs assist in the reduction of natural gas, propane and oil utilization via energy efficient improvements along with the utilization of sources of renewable energy.

3) Maine Renewable Energy Association. The Maine Renewable Energy Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of renewable energy producers, goods and services suppliers to the producers, and those who support the renewable energy industry. The renewable energy producers manufacture electricity from sustainable sources, including solar and hydro. This association is one of the leading forces in local and state policy debate focused on the generation of renewable energy and it works to guarantee the efforts are united with all members.

4) Statewide Financial Incentives for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Homes and Businesses. In an effort to make renewable energy and energy efficient products more cost-effective for businesses and residents, the state of Maine has developed a number of financial incentives that provide the necessary assistance for this endeavor. This includes the Community Solar Lending Program from New Generation Energy, Community Based Renewable Energy Production Incentive program, Sales and Use Tax Refund for Qualified Community Wind Generators, Efficiency Maine – Small Business Low Interest Loan Program, and a number of state rebate programs through Efficiency Maine, such as Business (Non-Residential) Program, Home Energy Savings Program, and Residential Lighting Program.

5) Island Institute and Maine Ocean Renewable Energy. The Island Institute is working alongside a number of waterfront communities around the state to not only understand, but also weight the potential benefits and costs of using ocean renewable energy. The institute and its work with ocean renewable energy has the overall objective of guaranteeing that any ocean energy development in the future are designed in an effort to minimize harmful impacts and that the local communities receive benefits from the ocean renewable energy projects. Some of the objectives include guaranteeing that marine users are involved in all processes that are associated with the development of offshore wind projects and to hold public forums to get feedback from communities that may be affected in an effort to ensure the success of the offshore wind projects.

6) Funding for Renewable Energy Projects. In 2009, more than $450,000 went toward eleven Maine-based organizations for their renewable energy projects. The projects were developed by a number of institutions, including Kennebec Valley Community College, Falmouth School Department, Town of Freeport, Town of Kennebunkport, and Bryant Pond. The money received from the grant will be put towards the purchase and installation of various renewable energy equipment as proposed by the different organizations. According to Sharon Reishus the Commission Chair, “The projects will help educate the local communities about ways to take advantage of alternative energy.”

7) Offshore Renewable Energy Task Force. In partnership with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Maine has established an offshore renewable energy task force. The task force is comprised of state government officials, officials from affected federal agencies, and elected local government officials. The task force was established in an effort to facilitate the effective and efficient review of possible renewable energy projects along the outer continental shelf offshore Maine. According to John Baldacci, Governor of Maine, “This is an important next step for Maine and the nation in meeting the challenges of energy independence and security, climate change and economic development. Deep water energy development employing advanced technologies holds great promise.”

8 ) Maine Renewable Energy Incentive Program. Supported by Efficiency Maine, the Maine Renewable Energy Incentive Program offers direct cash incentives for businesses and homes looking for professional installed solar heating and wind energy systems.

9) Automaker Chevrolet to Assist in Financing Energy Efficiency Project. Popular automobile manufacturer Chevrolet, in January of 2011, made the first of several grants it will be providing to cleantech projects across the United States, to the Maine State Housing Authority. The money provided by Chevrolet will go to upgrading the insulation of 5,500 low-income homes throughout the state. Home insulation will be improved by blowing recycled content insulation into ceilings and walls, replacing attic hatches that are loose with ones that are tight-fitting, sealing chimneys, providing insulation for exposed foundations, and making heating systems more efficient.

10) Fort Fairfield Recognized for their Energy Efficiency. In Aroostook County, Fort Fairfield has taken a number of significant steps in an effort to decrease its total energy consumption and was recognized for doing so. Fort Fairfield received the Recognition Award from Efficiency Main for its continual commitment to decreasing energy costs and consumption. For example, the town replaced 174 street lights with LED high-efficiency lighting, which will save the town $19,000 per year for a minimum of 12 years.

Article by Shawn Lesser, Co-founder & Managing Partner of Atlanta-based Watershed Capital Group – an investment bank assisting sustainable fund and companies raise capital, perform acquisitions, and in other strategic financial decisions. He is also a Co-founder of the GCCA Global Cleantech Cluster Association ”The Global Voice of Cleantech”. He writes for various cleantech publications and is known as the David Letterman of Cleantech for his “Top 10″ series. He can be reached at shawn@watershedcapital.com

Related posts:

• Maine Moves To Reduce Oil Consumption
• Coming Attractions: CleanTechies Events Highlights
• The Bull is Bullish on CleanTech… So?
• Fuel Cell Startup EnStorage Raises $15M Series B Financing
• Obama’s win: Bright future for CleanTech?