UGE International
Date: 2020-02-26
New York City-headquartered commercial and community solar energy solutions specialist UGE International Ltd. is reporting five new contracts for projects in New York, the Philippines, and Ontario, Canada.

In New York, UGE and Wildflower signed an agreement for a 100 kW system on the roof of a storage facility in Holbrook, NY.

In the Philippines, the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT-U) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UGE Philippines for a 97 kW solar energy system for their high school building in Cebu City. UGE Philippines also signed a contract with Lite Properties Inc. for a 200 kW project on Bohol Island.

In Ontario, UGE Consulting Services has inked an agreement to complete the engineering scope of work for a rooftop system that will increase the existing system's capacity from 218kW to 350kW. UGE Consulting Services also signed an agreement for the engineering of a commercial solar project for a large commercial-scale developer in the southwest USA. All of the above projects are expected to be completed in 2020. (Source: UGE, PR, 20 Feb., 2020) Contact: UGE, 917-721-5685, investors@ugei.com, www.ugei.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News UGE International,  Solar,  Community Solar,  

SPI Energy
Date: 2020-02-12
In Santa Clara, California, Hong Kong-headquartered SPI Energy Co Ltd reports it has submitted its previously closed 18 MW portfolio of solar projects to the Oregon PUC Oregon Community Solar Programme. The program will be offered to non-profit organisations and homeowners in the territory of local utility Portland General Electric.

The SPI portfolio includes closed projects in Yamhill, Polk, Marion and Clakamas counties . SPI Energy also announced the agreed acquisition of up to eight projects with a combined capacity of 21 MW in Oregon in July. All projects have 20-year PPAs with Portland General Electric.

SPI Energy Co., Ltd. provides photovoltaic solutions for business, residential, government, and utility customers and investors. It offers engineering, procurement, and construction services to independent power developers and producers, and commercial and industrial companies. The company also develops, owns, and operates solar projects that sell electricity to power companies and other electricity off-takers. As of April 30, 2019, it owned and operated 15.706 MW of solar projects. The company operates in Greece, the United States, Italy, Japan, the U.K., Australia, and Germany. (Source: SPI Energy Ltd, Renewables, Feb., 2020) Contact: SPI Energy Ltd., www.spigroups.com; Oregon Community Solar Programme, www.oseia.org › communitysolar

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Sunvestment Energy,RER Energy
Date: 2020-02-07
In the Empire State, the village of Saranac Lake reports it expects to host the area's first community solar project to be constructed by Sunvestment Energy Group and RER Energy of Rochester and Reading, Pennsylvania.

The project, which is expected to generate sufficient solar power for roughly 250 homes. will be constructed by RER Energy and managed by Sunvestment. (Source: Saranac Lake, Adirondack Daily Entersprise, 4 Feb., 2020) Contact: Sunvestment Energy, www.sunvestmentgroup.com; RER Energy, Mike Barnes, COO, mbarnes@rerenergygroup.com, 717-554-5801, www.rerenergygroup.com

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New Jersey
Date: 2020-01-27
Garden State Governor Phil Murphy (D) has unveiled the state's Energy Master Plan, which outlines key strategies to reach the Administration's goal of 100 pct clean energy by 2050. The Energy Master Plan outlines the following energy efficiency related strategies and includes an implementation plan that lays out next steps and timelines:

Reducing Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Transportation Sector, including encouraging electric vehicle adoption, electrifying transportation systems, and leveraging technology to reduce emissions and miles traveled.

Accelerating Deployment of Renewable Energy and Distributed Energy Resources by developing offshore wind, community solar, a successor solar incentive program, solar thermal, and energy storage. It also involves adopting new market structures to embrace clean energy development and contain costs, opening electric distribution companies' circuits for distributed energy resources (DER), and developing low-cost loans or financing for DER.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency and Conservation, and Reducing Peak Demand including enacting 0.75 percent and 2 percent utility energy efficiency standards for natural gas and electricity, respectively, improving energy efficiency programs in New Jersey, adopting new clean energy and energy efficiency financing mechanisms, and strengthening building and energy codes and appliance standards.

Reducing Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Building Sector through decarbonization and electrification of new and existing buildings, including the expansion of statewide net zero carbon homes incentive programs, the development of EV-ready and Demand Response-ready building codes, and the establishment of a long-term building de-carbonization roadmap.

De-carbonizing and Modernizing New Jersey's Energy System through planning and establishment of Integrated Distribution Plans, investing in grid technology to enable increased communication, sophisticated rate design, and reducing our reliance on natural gas.

Supporting Community Energy Planning and Action in Under served Communities through incentivizing local, clean power generation, prioritizing clean transportation options in these communities, and supporting municipalities in establishing community energy plans.

Expand the Clean Energy Innovation Economy by expanding upon New Jersey's existing 52,000 clean energy jobs and investing in developing clean energy knowledge, services, and products that can be exported to other regions around the country and around the world, thereby driving investments and growing jobs. New Jersey will attract supply chain businesses to create dynamic new clean energy industry clusters and bring cutting-edge clean energy research and development the state. (Source: InsideNJ, PR, 27 Jan., 2020)

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Clearway Energy Group
Date: 2020-01-20
San Francisco-headquartered Clearway Energy Group LLC, a US renewable energy generation and distribution company, said on Thursday it has completed financing on its Community Solar Fund V -- a portfolio of 21 projects totaling 76 MW (DC) in Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York States. Part of the portfolio is expected to come online this year.

Clearway Energy Group LLC focuses on renewable energy generation and distribution, as well as owns renewable energy projects. The company has over 320 MW of community solar projects across the country, in addition to its utility-scale solar and wind operations. (Source: Clearway Energy Group, Renewables, 17 Jan., 2020) Contact: Clearway Energy Group, 415-627-1600, www.clearwayenergygroup.com

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Clean Energy Co, Black Hills Energy
Date: 2020-01-06
Cheyenne, Wyoming-headquartered utility Black Hills Energy and its approved third-party partner, Louisville, Colorado-based Clean Energy Co are reporting completion of a 2-MW community solar garden in Canon City, Colorado -- the fifth community solar garden in Black Hills' service territory.

Canon City holds roughly 40 pct of the solar garden's subscription capacity and the county has about 15 pct with remaining subscribers in Fremont, Custer and Pueblo counties. (Source: Black Hills, Carson City Daily Record, Jan., 2019) Contact: Clean Energy Co., 844-232-7253, info@cleanenergyco.com, www.cleanenergyco.com; Black Hills Energy, 888-890-5554, www.blackhillsenergy.com

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New York State,Community Solar
Date: 2019-12-13
In Albany, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) reports the issuance of an order allowing consolidated billing for community solar projects. The ruling is expected spur the cost-effective completion of over 1 GW of community solar projects currently in development, which in turn will help the state reach its goal of 6 GW of distributed solar by 2025, as required by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CPCLA).

Consolidated billing has another benefit as well. Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs, which allow local communities to leverage their combined demand to purchase renewable forms of power and other energy services, have not included community solar projects in their portfolios because of the high customer acquisition costs and because CCA programs typically use an "opt-out" model, in which customers are enrolled in the CCA unless they specifically decline to participate. (Source: New York Public Service Commission, NRDC, 12 Dec., 2019) Contact: New York Public Service Commission, www.dps.ny.gov

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APS Solar Communities
Date: 2019-12-11
In Arizona, the Sedona City Hall reports it will host a 150 kilowatt solar system under the Arizona Public Service's (APS) Solar Communities program that is expected to save the city roughly $90,000 and produce clean energy over the next 20 years.

APS will install, operate, and maintain the city's solar photovoltaic system free of charge, and the city will receive a monthly bill credit from APS. The program, which is designed to enable non-residential customers as well as limited- and moderate-income customers take advantage of clean solar energy. The project is scheduled for completion in late January. (Source: City of Sadona, APS Solar Communities, Signals AZ, Dec., 2019) Contact: City of Sedona, www.sedonaaz.gov; APS, Solar Communities; www.aps.com/solarcommunities, www.aps.com/en/About/Sustainability-and-Innovation/Technology-and-Innovation/Solar-Communities

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American Public Power Association
Date: 2019-11-15
Snohomish County PUD in Everett, Washington, reports it has been awarded the Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for demonstrating commitment and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support a goal of providing low-cost quality, safe and reliable electric service.

The two-year SEP designation is awarded to public power utilities that demonstrate leadership in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. Utilities are rated on a scale of 100 points. The PUD earned 84 points, scoring high on offering distributed generation programs like community solar, working to support environmental sustainability programs like Carbon Solutions and providing customers with robust conservation programs. (Source: American Public Power Association, Edmonds News, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: American Public Power Association, www.publicpower.org; Snohomish County PUD , www.snopud.com

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Roanoke Electric Cooperative,
Date: 2019-10-18
The N.C. Weatherization Assistance Program (NSWAP) reports the issuance of a total $128,000 in grant funding to Roanoke Electric Cooperative, Blue Ridge Energy and Fayetteville Public Works Commission for a pilot community solar program covering a total of 40 low-income homes. NCWAP is also providing weatherization and energy efficiency services to these single-family households.

Fayetteville Public Works Commission will use the funding to support the participation of 10 eligible households in their PWC Community Solar Weatherization Pilot project.

Blue Ridge Energy's Community Solar Savings Pilot will serve 10 households, with each receiving a bill credit for the energy generated by solar panels plus a rate reduction from the standard residential energy charge.

Roanoke Electric Cooperative will serve 20 homes participating in the Upgrade to Save Community Solar Program. The community solar participation will allow the households to share in the community solar garden and receive future billing credits estimated at approximately $365 per year per eligible household for a period of no less than 15 years. (Source: NCWAP, rrspin.com, 15 Oct., 2019) Contact: N.C. Weatherization Assistance Program , www.nc.gov/weatherization-assistance-program

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Hawaiian Electric Company
Date: 2019-09-18
Honolulu-headquartered Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) reports it has approved the 864-panel, 270 MW Mililani Tech Solar I community solar project to be constructed in the Mililani Tech Park area.

The project -- the Aloha State's first community solar project -- is being developed by Honolulu-based Tritium3 Renewable Ventures and is fully subscribed with participants who will receive bill credits once the project is sending energy to the grid.

Six other Hawaiian community solar projects are still under review in the first phase of community solar which allows for a total of 8 MW capacity across the Hawaiian Electric service territory. More projects like Mililani Tech Solar I are expected to be approved in 2020. (Source: Hawaiian Electric, PR, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Tritium3 Renewable Ventures, Ryan McCauley, CEO, (808) 377-4408, info@tritium3.com, www.tritium3.com; Mauii Electric, www.mauielectric.com/communitysolar; HECO, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

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Mass. DOER
Date: 2019-09-18
In the Bay State, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) reports it has released plans to reform and expand the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program which incentivizes cost effective solar and promises to double the amount of solar in the commonwealth.

To meet increasing customer demand for solar energy, DOER proposes adding 800 MW to the SMART incentive program, bringing the total to 2.4 gigawatts. The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) supports this expansion but, in comments to regulators, is calling for even more capacity to be added to the program. To that end, DOER has proposed the dollowing regulatory clarifications and fixes:

DOER proposes clarifying SMART metering configurations when projects are paired with storage. The clarification will impact residential and larger scale projects. These issues have drawn the ire of utilities, regulators and solar firms for the past year. DOER guidance on metering is critical.

DOER proposes an increase to the stepped-up incentive for municipal projects. A higher incentive would make it easier for cities, towns and school districts to go solar. In addition, DOER proposes more time for municipal projects to meet certain milestones for qualification, recognizing that public projects almost always have to go through a bidding process. SEIA agrees with the intent of this proposal.

Fixing compensation for solar projects serving on-site energy needs. Based on the current regulatory framework, some projects without a net metering allocation get reduced values. DOER proposes expanding the use of certain credits and changing the way energy compensation is calculated.

According to SEIA, the most troubling aspects of DOER's plans involve the treatment of community solar projects, including a proposed five-fold increase in penalties for larger scale solar projects on certain lands. DOER calls for the new penalties to apply to a broader swath of community solar projects and for changes to apply to projects already in development. These proposals would have a negative impact on the community solar market. Increased penalties will halt solar development, with penalties ranging from a few hundred thousand dollars to many millions, according to SEIA. (Source: Mass. DOER, Solar Energy Industries Assoc., 16 Sept., 2019)Contact: Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, (617) 626-7300, doer.energy@mass.gov, www.mass.gov/doer; SEIA, Abigail Ross-Hopper, CEO, (202) 682-0556, info@seia.org, www.seia.org

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Common Energy
Date: 2019-09-13
In the Empire State, the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority (SSHA) reports it is partnering with community solar energy specialist Common Energy to increase use of clean energy and use the saving to fund more then $100,000 in energy efficiency investments at SSHA facilities.

This partnership is supported by NYSERDA through its NY-Sun Affordable Solar Predevelopment and Technical Assistance program, which provides funding to address resource gaps and solve market barriers preventing the development of solar installations serving low-to-moderate income (LMI) households.

Common Energy works with businesses and households to connect their existing utility account to local, clean energy projects. (Source: Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, PR, NewsWire, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, Malcolm Bliss, www.saratogaspringspha.org; Common Energy, www.commonenergy.com

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Pivot Energy,Standard Solar
Date: 2019-08-30
Denver-based solar specialist Pivot Energy and Rockville, Maryland-headquartered Standard Solar report they've expanded their 2018 partnership and will co-develop five additional ground-mounted community solar sites totaling 8.9 MW across Colorado.

The first two projects in the expanded portfolio are expected to break ground this summer for commissioning in summer 2020. by summer 2020.

Standard Solar will finance, own and maintain the community solar arrays that Pivot Energy will develop and construct. Once the arrays are live, customer enrollment and subscriptions will be managed through SunCentral, Pivot Energy's proprietary community solar customer management interface. (Source: Standard Solar, PR, Solar Builder, 28 Aug., 2019)Contact: Pivot Energy, (888) 734-3033, info@pivotenergy.net, www.pivotenergy.net; Standard Solar, Scott Wiater, CEO, (301) 944-1200, www.standardsolar.com

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Northern Cheyenne Reservation
Date: 2019-08-05
In Southeastern Montana, the the Northern Cheyenne Tribe is reporting receipt of $2 million in matching funding from the US DOE for construction of a 26-acre, 2.6 MW solar farm to be constructed near Busby.

The Northern Cheyenne initially launched the White River Community Solar project in 2016. (Source: Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Billings Gazette, 31 July, 2019)Contact: Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Kyle Atwood, Project Director, (406) 477-6284, www.cheyennenation.com

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ENGIE
Date: 2019-07-31
ENGIE Storage reports it will supply and operate a "turnkey" 19 MW/38 MWh portfolio of six energy storage sites that will contribute to the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program and participate in ISO-New England wholesale markets.

The combined solar and storage portfolio, developed and operated by NYC-based private equity firm Syncarpha Capital, LLC, is the first utility-scale solar plus storage offering to benefit from ENGIE's new integrated development, supply and services offering for wholesale market participation.

ENGIE Storage will provide a turn-key GridSynergy® hardware and software solution and operate the storage system for 20 years and will pay fees in exchange for the rights to operate the solar and energy storage system in the ISO-NE wholesale capacity, reserves, and frequency regulation markets.

ENGIE Storage's GridSynergy software platform will seamlessly ensure Investment Tax Credit and SMART program compliance while bidding and operating the energy storage systems in ISO-NE wholesale markets. Under its long-term service and operation contracts for the sites, ENGIE Storage is, in essence, guaranteeing SMART program revenues. The arrangement virtually eliminates storage project operational risk at the six battery storage sites.

Syncarpha designs and builds on-site solar systems for municipalities, utilities, and businesses -- as well as developing community shared solar solutions for consumers and commercial customers. The company currently owns and/or operates solar assets in nine different states. (Source: ENGIE, 26 July, 2019) Contact: Syncarpha Capital, LLC, Cliff Chapman, CEO, www.syncarpha.com, www.syncarpha.solar: Engie Storage, Christopher Tilley, CEO, www.engie.com, www.engie-na.com

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Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Date: 2019-07-29
In North Dakota, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reports its 300 KW CannonBall Community Solar Farm is now set to go online in August when it will add 300 KW into the grid.

The community solar farm is expected to save the community as much as $14,400 per year in energy costs, which will be reinvested in the community. GivePower, one of the nonprofits that is partnering on the project, invested $370,000 in the $470,000 project. (Source: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Gizmodo, 28 July, 2019) Contact: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, www.standingrock.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  Solar,  

East Bay Community Energy
Date: 2019-07-03
In the Golden State, East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), a community choice energy provider, reports approval of two power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 157.5 MW from new wind and solar facilities, along with 30 MW of battery energy storage, to be built in Alameda and Fresno counties in California. The approved contracts include:

the Summit Wind Project -- a 20-year agreement to purchase 57.5 MW of wind from the Altamont Winds LLC project, near Livermore in Alameda County, from San Diego-based Salka LLC in partnership with a global private equity firm. The project will see the repowering a 569, 100 kW turbines with 23 modern turbines at a former Altamont Pass wind farm and is expected to be completed in late 2020.

Sonrisa Solar Park -- a 20-year agreement to purchase 100 MW of solar and 30 MW of energy storage from the Sonrisa Solar Park, located in Fresno County and owned/operated by EDP Renewables North America. Construction on the Sonrisa solar project will begin as early as December 2021. It is expected to be operational in 2022.

As one of 19 community choice aggregation programs operating in California, EBCE will provide clean energy at competitive rates and will reinvest earnings back into the community. (Source: East Bay Community Energy, NA Windpower, 24 June, 2019) Contact: East Bay Community Energy, 833-699-3223, www.ebce.org

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Monadnock Sustainability Network, ReVision Energy
Date: 2019-06-24
In New Hampshire, the Monadnock Sustainability Network and South Portland, Maine-based ReVision Energy report plans are afoot for a community-supported 95-KW solar array on Sun Moon Farm in Rindge, in the Moanadnock Region.

The community solar aray's expected yearly output is divvied up into shares of 5,000 kWh per year selling for $6,200 per share.

The array will initially be owned by investors, and farmers will buy power at a discounted rate. Then, after six years, the farmers buy out the investors and own the solar array and then get electricity from the solar array for free.

ReVision Energy will install the array later this year. (Source: Keene Sentinel, 21 June, 2019) Contact: ReVision Energy, Dan Weeks, Dir. Market Development, (207) 221-6342, Fax - (207) 358-7944, www.revisionenergy.com; Monadnock Sustainability Network, www.greenmonadnock.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  Solar,  Monadnock Sustainability Network and ReVision Energy,  

Nautilus Solar Energy
Date: 2019-06-19
Summit, NJ-based solar energy developer Nautilus Solar Energy LLC has announced the ribbon cutting for its first of three community solar projects serving Orange and Rockland's utility service territory. Located in the hamlet of Westtown in Orange County, New York, the 2.83 MW community solar garden will provide energy cost savings to 300 homes while advancing New York's nation-leading renewable energy goals.

Utilizing its full-service platform, Nautilus will be responsible for the project management, long-term asset management and maintenance services for the projects. The energy generated by the Westtown solar project will directly benefit qualified residential community solar subscribers who are situated within the Orange and Rockland utility service territory. A limited number of residential subscriptions to the system are currently available through a partnership with Onesta Solar at www.chooseonestasolar.com. The project reached commercial operation May 8, 2019. Nautilus's other solar projects in the towns of Greenville and Chester are scheduled to open by 3Q 2019. This project received over $1 million from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through NY-Sun. (Source: Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC, PR, June, 2019) Contact: Nautilus Solar, Jim Rice, CEO, www.nautilussolar.com

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Hannon Armstrong,Summit Ridge
Date: 2019-06-07
Hannon Armstrong, a leading investor in climate change solutions, and community solar specialist Summit Ridge Energy (SRE) are reporting they will jointly invest in community solar projects across several US markets including Maryland, where the initial solar power plants will come online in Prince George's and Baltimore Counties this summer.

As part of the agreement, Hannon Armstrong will provide long-term financing to community solar projects developed and acquired by Summit Ridge Energy across multiple states. Summit Ridge is targeting construction of over 250 MW of community solar power over the next few years.

Hannon Armstrong investments are focused on climate change solutions, energy efficiency, renewable energy and other sustainable infrastructure markets. (Source: Summit Ridge Energy , CleanTechnica, 6 June, 2019) Contact: Hannon Armstrong , Jeffrey Eckel, Pres., CEO, Gil Jenkins , (443) 321-5753, media@hannonarmstrong.com, www.hannonarmstrong.com; Summit Ridge, Steve Raeder, CEO, www.srenergy.com

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SEIA
Date: 2019-05-31
The Washington, DC-based Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) reports it is adding divisions to focus more aggressively on solar-plus-storage and solar manufacturing. The organization is also launching committees on energy storage and community solar and establishing a working group to reduce the soft costs of going solar.

The new divisions are part of the solar industry group's broader governance plan to enter the 2020s as America's leading source of new electric power generation. (Source: SEIA, May, 2019) Contact: SEIA, Abigail Ross-Hopper, CEO, (202) 682-0556, info@seia.org, www.seia.org

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Madison Wisconsin
Date: 2019-05-29
In the Badger State, the city of Madison is touting the launch of its Backyard Solar grants program to help low-income residents install solar panels.

Grants will be available to community organizations and housing developers through a competitive process and will fund up to 20-pct of a project's total cost. The city has reserved $10,000 for grants in 2019, but there is a resolution circulating among council members to add another $30,000.

The Backyard Solar program is an addition to the MadiSUN residential program, which helps homeowners put solar panels on their rooftops. The City also offers a program that includes $30,000 in rebates for businesses that install solar.

In 2017, Madison became the first city in Wisconsin to set a goal of 100 percent renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions for both city operations and residents. (Source: City of Madison, 28 May, 2019) Contact: MadiSUN Program, https://madisunsolar.com; Renew Wisconsin, Heather Allen, program director for Renew Wisconsin, which administers the MadiSUN programs for the city, Tyler Huebner, Executive Director, (608) 255-4044, www.renewwisconsin.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Community Solar,  MadiSUN,  Renew Wisconsin,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2019-04-29
In the Empire State, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) reports its Solar for Al program is seeking community solar subscribers in Clinton County. The Solar for All program offers eligible homeowners and renters the opportunity to access and subscribe to a community solar project in their area without any upfront costs or participation fees.

Under the program, energy is delivered through the participant's regular electric provider, while the power produced from the community solar array is fed directly back to the electric grid. As a result, the grid is supplied with clean renewable energy while subscribers get credit on their electric bills, according to a NYSERDA release.

Solar for All is administered by NYSERDA under NY-Sun, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's $1 billion initiative to advance the scale up of solar and move the state closer to having a sustainable self sufficient solar industry. Since 2011, solar in New York state has increased more than 1,500 pct and leveraged nearly $3.5 billion in private investments, the release added. (Source: NYSERDA, Press Republican, 27 April, 2019) Contact: NYSERDA Solar for All, www.nyserda.ny.gov/solarforall; Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

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Climate Change
Date: 2019-04-24
In the Garden State, the city of Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has signed an executive order adopting Hoboken's Climate Action Plan committing the city to "achieving carbon neutrality by 2050."

The plan, establishes goals for greenhouse gas emission reduction for government operations and as a city overall. Progress will be evaluated through benchmarks every five years. The plan's features include:

Purchasing 100 pct renewable electricity for municipal facilities (went into effect April, 2019);

Installing energy efficient upgrades in 11 municipal buildings, resulting in cost savings of over $100,000 per year;

Introducing an affordable renewable energy purchasing program for homeowners to utilize wind and/or solar electricity;

Implementing electric vehicle charging stations across the City (Hoboken recently was awarded funding through the State for up to 14 EV charging stations);

Creating Hoboken's own community solar program, allowing low-moderate income residents to utilize solar energy from other parts of the State even if they can not install solar panels on their homes;

Replacing street and traffic lights with LED energy efficient lighting;

The city of 56,000 +- residents has also reaffirmed its commitment to exceeding the goals" of the Paris Climate Accord.

"The city's Climate Action Plan, which its two-pronged emphasis on adaptation and mitigation, puts Hoboken at the forefront of what cities can do to combat climate change," Doyle said. "Our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with an aggressive window through becoming a net zero city and achieving carbon neutrality is the progressive path forward toward achieving that goal." (Source: Hoboken Patch, 23 April, 2019) Contact: City of Hoboken, (201) 420-2000, www.hobokennj.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Community Solar
Date: 2019-04-08
In Washington State, the Clallam County Public Utility District (PUD) reports it is constructing a $115,917, 30-kilowatt community solar project array at a former PUD substation in Sequimt. The community solar array will offer 15-watt solar units to customers and will be eligible for financial incentives from the state.

Whe the system is fully operational, customers will be offered up to 125 units from the array at a cost of $57.96 per unit and will provide an estimated $61.46 benefit over the life of the 25-year project. The PUD estimates that the project will generate $122,928 over 25 years. Customers will receive solar generation credits on monthly bills and an annual production incentive of about 14 cents per kilowatt hour, PUD officials said. (Source: Clallam PUD, Sequim Gazette, 3 April, 2019) Contact: Clallam PUD, www.clallampud.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  Solar,  

Institute for Local Self-Reliance
Date: 2019-03-22
The Minnesota-headquartered not-for-profit Institute for Local Self-Reliance's second annual Community Power Scorecard reports it has ranked Massachusetts, California, New York and Illinois as the top states for energy democracy. The ranking is based on the states' commitment to boosting community-level renewable energy.

The rankings are based on the organization's analysis of nine policies that promote citizen's use of renewable energy and other distributed resources. Policies recommended in the report card are customer-friendly net metering policies and simplified utility interconnection rules for distributed energy producers. The report authors also want to see an emphasis on energy efficiency, more community renewable energy, feed-in tariffs, energy supply diversity and financing programs, such on-bill financing and property assessed clean energy (PACE).

The report card didn't consider cap-and-trade programs or renewable portfolio standards but focused on how state policies encourage consumers and businesses to generate their own power or participate in community solar programs. (Source: Institute for Local Self-Reliance, MicroGrid Knowledge, 12 Mar., 2019) Contact: Institute for Local Self-Reliance, 612-276-3456, info@ilsr.org, www.ilsr.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Renewable Energy,  Community Energy,  Institute for Local Self-Reliance,  

Community Soler
Date: 2019-02-18
In the Corn Husker State, the city of Scottsbluff reports it plans to build a second community solar project following on the heels of a sold-out, 128-kilowatt array in 2017. The 2017 array at the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) office in Scottsbluff was sold out within days and Since going online has generated more than 350,000 kWh of electricity.

After the success of the first project, the city has approached NPPD with a second, 4.6 MW project to be developed by SolSystems. If the project is agreed upon, construction would begin at the end of spring with an operational date sometime in Q4, 2019.

Community solar projects are not subsidized and communities that choose not to participate do not pay costs associated with the facilities that do. Currently, NPPD rates in Scottsbluff for community solar programs are the lowest in the state. NPPD's Sunwise Community Solar program currently includes a 98-kilowatt unit operating in Venango and a 5.7-megawatt facility in Kearney, which is currently the largest solar facility in Nebraska. NPPD is also close to finishing community solar projects in Norfolk, Chadron, O'Neill, Ainsworth ,Pawnee City and Loup City. (Source: Scottsbluff Star-Herald, NPPD, Other media, Feb. 17, 2019) Contact: City of Scottsbluff, www.scottsbluff.org; Nebraska Public Power District, Pat Pope, CEO, Pres., www.nppd.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NPPD,  Community Solar,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2018-12-21
The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) is reporting the largest community solar project in New York City is now operational.

The 1.3 MW array in Brooklyn will generate sufficient energy for approximately 200 households and businesses. The solar array, which was developed by Daroga Solar, is fully subscribed with 196 total customers -- 70 pct residential, 20 pct small commercial customers and 10 pct low- to moderate-income customers. The project received more than $850,000 from NYSERDA through the state's NY-Sun program. The array incorporates 3,325 panels on the rooftops of two Brooklyn locations. (Source: NYSERDA, PR, 19 Dec., 2018) Contact: NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

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Ecolab, Clearway Energy Group
Date: 2018-12-19
St. Paul, Minnesota-based water, hygiene and energy services provider Ecolab Inc is reporting the signing of a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Clearway Energy Group for 100 MW of wind energy from Clearway's proposed 419-MW Mesquite Star wind project in Fisher County, Texas. Construction is expected to get underway in the first half of 2019, according to the announcement.

Clearway presently has 4.1 GW of renewable energy projects, including 2.8 GW of wind, 1.1 GW of utility solar and more than 300 MW of distributed and community solar. This includes assets owned through affiliate Clearway Energy Inc. (Source: Ecolab,PR, Dec., 2018) Contact: Ecolab Inc., https://en-ca.ecolab.com; Clearway Energy Group. John Woody, VP Bus. Dev., info@clearwayenergy.com, www.clearwayenergygroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clearway Energy Group,  Ecolab,  Wind ,  

Pivot Energy
Date: 2018-11-12
Denver-based solar energy developer Pivot Energy is reporting the launch of SunCentral, a white-labeled community solar customer management cloud platform designed to improve the customer experience for community solar subscribers, and optimize the customer management process for project owners, operators, and developers.

SunCentral offers project owners, operators, and utilities a platform to manage community solar subscriptions while allowing subscribers to easily access information. Platform features include: seamless bill payments, energy production monitoring, access to contracts, photos of solar projects, downloadable financial reports, ability to view capacity and availability in multiple projects, data sharing directly with utilities, and more.

Pivot will sell the platform to other owner/operators as either a stand-alone cloud application, or an application combined with fully-staffed customer management services. (Source: Pivot Energy, PR, 8 Nov., 2018) Contact: Pivot Energy, Rick Hunter, CEO, 888-734-3033, www.pivotenergy.net; SunCentral, www.suncentral.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pivot Energy,  Community Solar,  

Standard Solar, Pivot Energy
Date: 2018-10-26
St. Louis-based Pivot Energy and Rockville, Maryland-headquartered Standard Solar are reporting a collaboration to finance, own and maintain six community solar gardens developed and constructed by Pivot Energy along interstate I-70 in Colorado.

Incorporating both ground mount and rooftop arrays, the solar projects are expected to produce 18,644,960 kWh of energy.

Of the six sites, four are in various states of completion. The sites in Parachute, Silt Palisade and Grand Junction Colorado are already fully subscribed.

The Colorado Energy Office, notes that Colorado leads the nation with nearly 70 community solar projects in operation and many others in development. (Source: Standard Solar, Colorado Energy Office, Solar World, 25 Oct., 2018) Contact: Pivot Energy, Rick Hunter, CEO, (888) 734-3033, info@pivotenergy.net, www.pivotenergy.net; Colorado Energy Office, www.colorado.gov/energyoffice; Standard Solar, Scott Wiater, Pres., CEO, (301) 944-1200, www.standardsolar.com

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SunCommon
Date: 2018-10-24
Waterbury, Vermont-based solar energy specialist SunCommon reports it has partnered with the Orange County Citizens Foundation to construct a small scale solar array to power more than 60 area homes and businesses in Spring Valley, New York.

The community solar array will incorporate approximately 1,000 panels that homeowners and businesses will be able to purchase with no up-front costs.

SunCommon offers solar financing at no up front cost and a low monthly payment promising that you will save thousands over the life of the system, compared to what you would have paid the utility for electricity. The array will be constructed on Citizens Foundation owned land.(Source: SunCommon, Warwick Advertiser, 22 Oct., 2018) Contact: SunCommon, James Moore, (802) 882-8181, www.suncommon.com

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Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge
Date: 2018-10-22
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced that Pittsburgh -- the Steel City -- is a winner in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge -- a $70 million initiative aimed at accelerating efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future.

Pittsburgh will use the money to create and implement a building energy benchmarking policy, develop a statewide clean energy financing program, scale renewable power through community solar programs, encourage a shift in transportation energy use operation, and reduce over-all energy consumption by 50 pct.

About 100 of America's largest cities applied to the challenge, submitting bold plans to cut carbon emissions, Bloomberg said. All aimed to reduce air pollution and citywide emissions with specific projects to reform transit and buildings sectors -- two areas traditionally responsible for 80 pct of all citywide emissions. Atlanta, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, San Jose and Seattle were also Challenge winners. (Source: Bloomberg Philanthropies, TRIB Live, 21 Oct., 2018) Contact: Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, www.bloomberg.org/program/environment/climatechallenge

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Nautilus Solar Energy
Date: 2018-10-05
Summit, New Jersey-headquartered solar energy major Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC is reporting its acquisition of a 6.6 MW community solar development portfolio from co-developers Summit Ridge Energy, LLC and SynerGen Solar. The acquisition is comprised of four separate projects co-located on the same landfill in Prince George's County. The portfolio is expected to be completed by year-end and energized in early 2019.

Nautilus will be responsible for the project management, long-term asset management and maintenance services for these projects that will be owned by an affiliate of Virgo Investment Group, which is also a minority shareholder of Nautilus Solar Energy. The energy generated by the projects will directly benefit qualified residential off-takers who are situated within Pepco Maryland's service territory. A limited number of residential subscriptions to the system are currently available through a partnership with Neighborhood Sun.

Founded in 2006, Nautilus Solar Energy is a leading national solar acquisition, development and asset management company headquartered in Summit, N.J. Nautilus focuses on acquiring, developing, executing and managing distributed and utility-scale generation solar projects. In over 10 years, Nautilus has invested in hundreds of MWs of solar projects and provides asset management services to distributed, community solar and utility projects throughout North America. (Source: Nautilus Solar Energy LLC, PR, 2 Oct., 2018) Contact: Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC, www.nautilussolar.com; Summit Ridge Energy, Steve Raeder, CEO , www.srenergy.com; SynerGen Solar, LLC, www.synergensolar.com; Neighborhood Sun, www.nsunsolar.com/pepco

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nautilus Solar Energy,  Solar,  

Solar United Neighbors
Date: 2018-10-03
In Bartow, Florida, local, state and national groups have officially launched the Polk County Solar Cooperative to enable participants to gain bulk discounts on the installation of residential solar-power systems.

The newly created co-op will offer a three-month window for applications and will need at least 30 customers to qualify for discount rates and likely set a cap of 225 customers.

Co-op members would likely pay about $10,000 -- including a buld discount -- for a solar system for a small house. Solar customers can also receive a 30 pct federal tax credit on qualified costs.

Along with the League of Women Voters, the coop partners include: the Ancient Islands Sierra Club, Bok Tower Gardens, the Garden Club of Lakeland and Solar United Neighbors of Florida, along with Polk County and the cities of Bartow and Lake Wales.

Florida - aka the Sunshine State -- is one of four states that forbid third-party sales of electricity and doesn't offer rebates to encourage installation of solar systems. (Source: The Ledger, Solar United Neighbors, 26 Sept., 2018) Contact: Solar United Neighbors, www.solarunitedneighbors.org/polk

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ENGIE North America
Date: 2018-09-26
ENGIE North America an municipally-owned Holyoke Gas & Electric Utility (HG&E) are reporting the launch of Massachusetts' largest utility-scale energy storage system at the Mt. Tom Solar Farm in Holyoke, Massachusetts. ENGIE Storage Services -- fka Green Charge LLC -- will operate the 3-megawatt GridSynergy(trade; system, which will be integrated into the largest community solar farm in the state at a location adjacent to the former Mt. Tom Power Station.

GridSynergy will provide grid stability by responding quickly to electricity demand fluctuations, allow for the increased use of clean energy, and reduce peak load burden on the existing electrical distribution system.

According to ENGIE North America, nearly 100 pct of its power generation portfolio is low carbon or carbon free. Globally, ENGIE is the largest independent power producer in the world, with operations in 70 countries and 1,000 researchers in 11 R&D centers. (Source: ENGIE North America Inc., AP, 25 Sept., 2018) Contact: ENGIE, Carol Churchill, 617-886-8759, www.engie-na.com, carol.churchill@engie.com, www.engie.com; Holyoke Gas & Electric, www.hged.com; ENGIE Storage Services NA, www.engiestorage.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ENGIE North America ,  Energy Storage,  

Georgia Power
Date: 2018-09-14
Alpharetta, Georgia-headquartered United Renewable Energy™ (URE) is reporting completion of a 2-MW AC solar facility as the first installment of Georgia Power's Community Solar program. The project is owned by Georgia Power and was developed, designed and constructed by URE. The associated renewable energy credits (RECs) are retired on behalf of Georgia Power's Community Solar Program participants.

URE is an engineering, procurement, and construction firm developing utility-scale PV farms and energy storage systems. (Source: United Renewable Energy, PR 13 Sept., 2018) Contact: United Renewable Energy, William Silva, CEO, Jakky Shanahan, 678.881.0014 x708, jakky@u-renew.com, www.u-renew.com; Georgia Power, www.GeorgiaPower.com/CommunitySolar

More Low-Carbon Energy News Georgia Power,  Community Solar,  Solar,  

Resonant Energy
Date: 2018-08-31
Dorchester, Mass.-based community solar specialist Resonant Energy, where its platform brings together clients (usually nonprofit organizations like churches, universities) seeking solar access and financiers for those projects.

Massachusetts has one of the best solar energy programs in the country and is most friendly to rooftop solar. And 2-year-old Resonant Energy puts that to best use. What started with a community project to solar power a church in Dorchester five years ago is now a company that's eight-member strong and looking onto a million dollar funding round next year.

Resonant Energy also underwrites loans for institutions that are not credit-rated. Project financiers or investors on Resonant Energy's platform earn monthly payments from users, a 30 pct federal investment tax credit and depreciation, and state incentive payments over 10-20 years from the utility as governed by the Mass. Dept. of Energy Resources. In the last six months, the company has serviced close to 40 projects in Massachusetts and Long Island City New York. (Source: Resonant Energy, BostonInno, 30 Aug., 2018) Contact: Resonant Energy, Isaac Baker, CEO, (617) 506 9248, www.resonant.energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Resonant Energy,  Solar,  Renewable Energy,  Community Solr,  

Diamond Generating Corp
Date: 2018-08-29
Mitsubishi's Diamond Generating Corp. unit is reporting a "substantial investments" for a controlling interest in commercial-scale solar projects firm Nexamp Inc and in Boston Energy Trading and Marketing LLC.

Diamond has nearly 3,000 active municipal, commercial and community solar customers and forecasts a 400 pct by 2020 due to its substantial development pipeline of solar and storage assets and aggressive asset acquisition targets in key markets.

Nexamp, Inc. operates as a solar contractor that designs, develops, builds, installs, owns, finances, and operates commercial-scale solar projects. (Source: Diamond Generating Corp., Renewables, 27 Aug., 2018) Contact: Diamond Generating Corp, www.dgc-us.com; Nexamp Inc., (877) 707-0491, www.nexamp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Mitsubishi,  Community Solar,  

Hawaiian Electric Companies
Date: 2018-07-23
Further to our July 5th coverage, Honolulu-headquartered Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) is reporting the uptake of the first phase of its recently launched community solar initiative has received a total of 12 project proposals from subscriber organizations planning to construct and operate community solar facilities. The 12 proposals include: four applications for capacity on Oahu; four for Maui Island; three for Hawaii Island; and one for Molokai. Proposed projects vary from 200 kilowatts to 3 megawatts.

An indication of strong interest among developers is that proposed projects already exceed the 5 MW capacity for Oahu and 1 MW capacity for Hawaii Island. Capacity remains available on Maui, Molokai and Lanai but additional applications are encouraged for all islands. As previously reported, community solar capacity for the first phase of the program was set by the Public Utilities Commission. (Source: Hawaiian Electric Companies, PR, 20 July, 2018)Contact: HECO, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hawaiian Electric Companies,  HECO,  Wind,  Community Wind,  

Burnham and Weston Energy
Date: 2018-07-09
In the UK, Somerset-based Burnham and Weston Energy, the owner and operator of a 9.3MW community solar farm at Wick Farm, between Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea, reports it is raising £4 million in investment funds through a bond issue.

The investment, launched on Triodos Bank's triodoscrowdfunding.com, crowd funding platform will allow the company to return around £3 million in surplus profits to the local community over the remaining 23-year lifespan of the project which has been operating for nearly two years and generates enough carbon-free electricity to power more than 2,000 homes, and over £1 million per year in revenue.

The bonds will be used to repay the remainder of an £11 million short-term loan facility from specialist community energy loan fund Leapfrog Finance. Over £7 million has already been refinanced through a long-term loan from Triodos Bank. (Source: COOP News, 6 July, 2018) Contact: Burnham & Weston Energy, +44 01326 567 161 www.burnhamandwestonenergy.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  Solar,  

HECO
Date: 2018-07-05
Reporting from Honolulu, the Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) are preparing to open the first phase of its Community-Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) program next week for applications by qualified subscriber organizations wishing to build and operate a community solar facility.

As approved, the program will provide the benefits of solar energy to residential and commercial customers without access to privately-owned rooftop solar, including many renters and apartment dwellers.

HECO will begin accepting applications on July 11 only from any qualified company, organization, developer, or group to become a subscriber organization and propose a solar project. Once approved, residential and commercial electric customers will be able to join the subscriber organizations and participate in community solar on their island. Subscribers will receive a credit on their electric bill, based on the output of the project and their level of financial participation.

As first proposed by Hawaiian Electric in 2015, CBRE is envisioned to expand the state's renewable energy transformation, benefit individual customers and put more solar energy to work, reducing the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation.

The second phase of CBRE, expected in about two years, will include other renewable energy technologies beyond solar. Special provisions will be made to enroll low-to-moderate income subscribers, though subscriber organizations may enlist such customers in the first phase. (Source: Hawaiian Electric Companies, PR, 3 July, 2018) Contact: Information about eligibility and applications for subscriber organizations are at www.hawaiianelectric.com/communitysolar; www.mauielectric.com/communitysolar; (808 )543-7253 from O'ahu; (808) 969-0358 from Hawai'i Island; (808) 871-8461 x 2445 from Maui; and (877)871-8461 x 2445 from Lāna'i and Moloka'i; HECO, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Community Solar,  HECO,  

KCP&L
Date: 2018-05-07
In the Show Me State, Kansas City and its utility Kansas City Power & Light are working in concert to encourage the city and its metropolitan area of approximately 2.3 million residents to reduce energy consumption and and increase its use of renewable power. To that end, the city's clean energy goals include:

Powering 100 pct of city operations with renewable energy within three years;

Achieving Energy Star certification for 90 pct of municipal buildings of over 25,000 square feet within five years;

Developing residential energy efficiency and community solar programs for city employees;

Developing an electric-vehicle purchasing plan and procurement collaborative for fleets of public and tax-exempt entities.

Additionally, previously this year the utility filed a green tariff and a rate case including a community solar proposal that would allow the utility to acquire wind energy for city operations. The community solar proposal would add at least 3 cents per kilowatt hour for residential customers to the cost of electricity from solar. (Source: KCP&L, Kansas City, Energy News, May, 2018) Contact: KCP&L, Kim Winslow, Dir. of Energy Solutions, www.kcpl.com; Kansas City, Dennis Murphey, Environmental Officer, (816)513-1313, www.kcmo.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News KCP&L,  Renewable Energy,  

WinnCompanies
Date: 2018-03-12
Boston-headquartered real estate and housing developer WinnCompanies is reporting completion of a 651-KW community roof-top solar project at its low-income Terrace Apartments complex in Washington, DC. The project was supported with $1.3 million in grant funding from the District's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE's) Solar for All Program. Clean energy from the project will be fed into the DC utility grid through a net metering arrangement and the savings will be passed back to qualified low-income residents through credits reflected on their utility bills.

The Solar for All program seeks to provide the benefits of solar electricity to 100,000 low-income households in Washington and reduce their energy bills by 50 pct by 2032. WinnCompanies has invested more than $50 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across its affordable housing portfolio over the past decade. (Source: WinnCompanies, Affordable Housing Finance, 8 Mar., 2018) Contact: WinnCompanies, Gilbert Winn, CEO, Darien Crimmin, VP Energy and Sustainability, (617) 742-4500, info@winncompanies.com, www.winncompanies.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rooftop Solar,  Solar,  Community Solar,  

Sawnee EMC
Date: 2018-03-12
Cummings, Georgia-headquartered Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation (Sw-awnee EMC) is touting its new "Virtual Solar" energy program for residential and small commercial customers. The program enabales Sawnee EMC members to purchase the output of up to 20 "utility scale solar panels" at somewhere between $15.50 to $45 per month, depending on the amount of output desired and seasonal pricing differences. (Source: Sawnee EMC, PR, 9 Mar., 2018) Contact: Sawnee EMC, Blake House, VP Member Services, (770) 887-2363, customerservice@sawnee.com, www.sawnee.com/virtual-solar

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sawnee EMC,  Solar,  Community Solar,  

Nashville Electric Service
Date: 2018-03-09
In Tennessee, Nashville Electric Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are reporting groundbreaking on the 17,020-panel Music City Solar community solar project in Nashville. The 2-MW solar park is slated for completion and commissioning this spring. (Source: Nashville Electric Service, 7 Mar., 2018) Contact: Nashville Electric Service, www.nespower.com; Music City Solar, www.gosolarmusiccity.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  Solar,  

Cooperative Energy Futures of Minneapolis
Date: 2018-03-07
In Minneapolis, the city's first community solar garden is reportedly slated to get underway this spring on a flat-roofed church along W. Broadway Avenue. The $500,000 Shiloh solar array will host 630 panels. The project, which is being developed by Cooperative Energy Futures of Minneapolis , is 40 pct financed by a local equity investor.

The 2013, state-mandated Community Solar Garden program is administered by Xcel Energy. The program is aimed at residents, businesses and governments. (Source: Cooperative Energy Futures of Minneapolis, StarTribune, 4 Mar., 2018)Contact: Cooperative Energy Futures of Minneapolis, (612) 568-2479, https://cooperativeenergyfutures.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  Solar,  Xcel Energy,  

Green Street Power Partners
Date: 2018-03-07
Stamford, Connecticut-headquartered Green Street Power Partners (GSPP) is reporting the purchase of a portfolio of community solar projects in Con Edison's service zone, from SunPower.

The portfolio includes a 918-kilowatt rooftop project in Maspeth, Queens. The project was originated by SunPower dealer Accord Power, which is providing EPC services. Construction, using SunPower Helix advanced technology, is expected to get underway April 1. 2018. The completed project will generate sufficient power for more than 150 NYC homes. (Source: Green Street Power Partners, PR, 5 Mar., 2018) Contact: Green Street Power Partners Scott Kerner, CEO, www.greenstreetsolarpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Community Solar,  Green Street Power Partners,  

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative
Date: 2018-02-14
In Virginia, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and two other Old Dominion Electric Cooperative members are reportedly seeking formal approval for a 3-year Community Solar Pilot Project to which the member cooperatives could subscribe.

Currently, a portion of all power supplied to them comes from solar. The new program will allow members to receive a dedicated, predetermined amount of solar power each month at a locked in price.

The pilot programs must be approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The cooperatives expect to receive approval of their Community Solar pilot programs later this spring, and to begin offering solar subscriptions this summer. (Source: Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, PR, Fredericksburg.com, 12 Feb., 2018) Contact: Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, (804) 747-0592, feedback@odec.com, www.odec.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Old Dominion Electric Cooperative ,