Topics - State Solar Policy
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COVID-19 Impacts on the U.S. Solar Industry
Like many American industries, the solar industry has been hit hard by COVID-19. Compounding issues, including supply chain delays, tightening of tax equity markets, homeowners’ financial concerns, shelter-in-place orders, and permitting challenges are all placing tremendous pressure on the industry. Without strategic government action, U.S. jobs and economic investment will suffer. With the right policies in place, the solar industry is poised to lead the U.S. out of this economic recession and create jobs for thousands of Americans.
California Will Dramatically Undercount Savings from Customer-Driven Clean Energy
The coronavirus pandemic has many of us thinking about the systems we depend on and how we can protect them during times of crisis. When California families and small businesses invest in rooftop solar and onsite batteries as well as other demand response technologies, they make the power grid safer, more affordable and more resilient for all of us. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which regulates the state’s investor-owned utilities, recently updated how they calculate the benefits of smaller energy projects.
Massachusetts Takes Another Step Toward Economic Recovery
WASHINGTON, D.C. and BOSTON, Mass. — Today, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources released emergency regulations that expand and update the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program (SMART), the state’s main incentive program for solar. Following is a statement from David Gahl, senior director of state affairs, northeast for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):
What Permitting Volume Tells Us About Solar Deployment During the Pandemic
Data aggregated by Ohm Analytics shows that solar permits are down substantially providing evidence that the solar industry is being severely damaged by the COVID-19 crisis.
New York Begins Solar Market Recovery With Permitting Fix for Large Scale Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. and ALBANY, N.Y. – Yesterday, New York State leaders enacted critical, pro-solar provisions as part of the New York state budget. Following is a statement from David Gahl, senior director of state affairs, northeast for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):
Prioritizing Supplier Diversity in the Solar Industry
Ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion within all sectors of the solar industry is a crucial part of managing our growth. Supplier diversity is a key element of this, and in light of COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions, expanding the supply chain to include businesses owned and operated by a diverse staff can be part of the solution.
Solar Market Insight Report 2019 Year in Review
The quarterly SEIA/Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables U.S. Solar Market InsightTM report shows the major trends in the U.S. solar industry. Learn more about the U.S. Solar Market Insight Report. Released March 17, 2020.
Report Ranks States for Corporate Clean Energy Procurement
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has released the 2020 update to the Corporate Clean Energy Procurement Index. This study shows how some states have improved their rankings by enacting common sense policies regarding domestic clean energy production and therefore are more likely to attract new business development, creating thousands of jobs in their communities.
Washington State Passes Bill That Will Improve Solar Recycling Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week the Washington State House and Senate passed a bill that will update the state’s solar recycling policy. This bill will inform the final design and adoption of a comprehensive solar recycling program that is data-driven and considers the lifespan of modules that can last up to 50 years in the field. Following is a statement from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the bill passage:
Virginia Passes Landmark Zero Carbon Bill That Prioritizes Solar Access
WASHINGTON D.C. — This week an amended version of the Virginia Clean Economy Act cleared the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate and is now on its way to Governor Northam’s desk for signature. This landmark bill will enable the Commonwealth to achieve the ambitious climate goals Governor Northam laid out in Executive Order 43. Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on the historic passage of the Virginia Clean Economy Act: