The Sky Factory, a global fine art and technology company based in Fairfield, Iowa, will “flip the switch” to become Iowa’s first net-zero solar powered business June 7. Designed and installed by Fairfield’s Ideal Energy, the 3,500 square foot photovoltaic panel array, generating 54 kilowatts, is the largest private installation in the state and will generate 104 percent of Sky …
Republicans Tell Military to Stop Buying Clean Energy
This week Republicans, led by Rep. Conaway, submitted a proposal that will prohibit the Defense Department from buying alternative fuels that cost more than traditional fuels. This has come at a time when the Defense Department is moving full speed ahead with the testing of renewable fuels in various military equipment including planes, boats, helicopters, and other military vehicles. The …
U.S. Solar Industry Sets its Sites on China
This week U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) launched a proposal aimed at reducing China’s hold on the global solar panel market. The proposal would bar Chinese-made solar panels from qualifying for the 30 percent tax credit that U.S. individuals and businesses receive for purchasing and installing solar panels. U.S. installations of solar panels has grown 70 …
Stuart Jet Center Flies Solar
Stuart Jet Center has added solar energy to three of their hangers. The 50 kilowatt system was installed by Peak Solar LLC and is the 5th largest privately owned solar energy system in Florida. The return on investment for the project is estimated to be between 5-7 years with the help of a business rebate from Florida Power and Light along with a …
Sports Industry Looks to Solar
Soccer teams in Maryland will now be playing games with the help of the sun. Solar Energy World has been contracted to install a solar energy system in Soccer Dome II in Harmans, Maryland. The system will include the installation of 546 solar panels paired with a 126 kWh photovoltaic grid-interactive system over 13,067 square feet of roof space. When …
Domestic Energy Tax Credits on Congress “To Do” List
President Obama made up a “to-do list” for Congress during a stop in Albany, New York yesterday that includes renewing tax incentives for the development of new domestic energy sources. At a speech to students at the State University of New York, the president said if Congress fails to act soon, clean energy companies will see their taxes go up …
Solar Thermal Gains Momentum
When many of us think of solar energy the first thing that comes to mind is a solar panel. But there are other solar technologies that can generate renewable energy. Solar thermal hot water and space heating systems are gaining in popularity here in the U.S. and have already become widespread in countries such as China. A solar thermal system …
SDSU Students Capture Gold
Students at San Diego State University (SDSU) have captured gold – gold as in the sun. The students have helped to install a solar array on one of its busiest student facilities on campus. The Aztec Recreation Center (ARC), managed by the SDSU student government, Associated Students, is the home of the second largest solar array on campus. When students …
Trina Solar Donates Solar Panels to Lung Association
It’s good that not all things good for the environment happen on Earth Day only. Recently, Trina Solar announced that they will be donating 10.5 kW of solar modules for the offices of the American Lung Association of California. Everyday Energy will install the cost-saving solar system, and solar distributor Sonepar will provide the balance of system equipment for the …
Energy “Partisan Divide” Is A Myth
According to a new survey, those who believe clean energy support is divided among party lines are wrong. Instead the survey found that the majority of Republicans, Independents and Democrats believe that the U.S. should transition away from dirty energy sources to clean energy sources. The survey was conducted by OCR International on behalf of the Civil Society Institute (CSI). …