WHAT'S NEW

Clean Energy State Program Guide - Mainstreaming Solar Electricity: Strategies for States to Build Local Markets, prepared by Mark Sinclair, Clean Energy Group and Steve Weisman, Peregrine Energy Group. The report describes the key policies and program strategies that have emerged as effective tools for states to advance wide-spread solar deployment. The report’s recommendations are based on the input and lessons learned of the members of the Clean Energy States Alliance. April 2008.

Renewables Portfolio Standards in the United States: A Status Report with Data Through 2007, by Ryan Wiser and Galen Barbose, LBNL, April 2008. A PowerPoint presentation that summarizes key findings can be found at: http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/ems/reports/lbnl-154e-ppt.pdf.

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund released a RFP for its "Project 150," an initiative promoting the development and deployment of wind, solar, fuel cells, hydro, wave power and biomass. Find more info on the CCEF website at www.ctcleanenergy.com/project150. April 2008.

NREL Report, Innovations in Wind and Solar PV Financing (pdf) surveys some of the current issues related to wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy project financing in the electric power industry, and identifies both barriers to and opportunities for increased investment. February 2008.

Clean Edge - Clean Energy Trends 2008 Report notes a 40% increase in revenue growth for PV, wind, biofuels and fuel cells in 2007, up from $55 billion in 2006 to $77.3 billion in 2007. March 2008.

NYSERDA unveiled a $6-million clean energy workforce training initiative that will invest in a range of clean energy sectors including solar photovoltaic systems, small wind turbines, and biogas energy systems. It will also develop a solar workforce through programs at community colleges across NY. This effort will develop a workforce that can design, install, and maintain renewable energy systems to ensure the successful implementation and promotion of renewable energy technologies. See the press release and pamphlet. February 2008.

New LBL-CESA Case Study: Property Tax Assessments as a Finance Vehicle for Residential PV Installations: Opportunities and Potential Limitations. This report describes the mechanics of a new type of PV financing program recently proposed by the City of Berkeley that offers its residents the ability to utilize increased property tax assessments as a means of repaying over time the up-front cost of installing PV systems. February 2008.

Renewable Portfolio Standards in the States: Balancing Goals and Implementation Strategies, by K.S. Cory, NREL, and B.G. Swezey, Applied Matierials, NREL/TP-670-41409, December 2007.

U.S. Wind Capacity Up 45% in 2007, according to AWEA's 2007 Market Report, with over 5,000 MW Installed, bringing the total U.S. installed wind power capacity to over 16,800 MW. January 2008.

Funding is now available through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) from the Commonwealth Solar Initiative (CSI). CSI is a $68 million program over the next four years to support PV installations in Massachusetts. MTC is making available an initial block of $8.5 million for the first round of rebates. Please see this link to access the step-by-step web-based guide to installing a solar electric system and the necessary application forms and instructions for a rebate. January 2008.

California Energy Commission adopted the "Guidelines For California’s Solar Electric Incentive Programs Pursuant To Senate Bill 1." Senate Bill 1 directs the Energy Commission to establish eligibility criteria, conditions for incentives, and rating standards for projects applying for ratepayer-funded incentives for solar energy systems in California. December 2007.

CESA State Program Guide: State Strategies to Foster Solar Hot Water System Deployment. December 4, 2007.

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