Community solar programs and pricing for MGE and Alliant Energy were approved by the PSC June 20, 2019. Also approved was Alliant Energy’s request to provide utility-owned solar through, what’s typically referred to as, a …
Newsletter Blog Post
World’s First Solar Train in Australia
A 1949 diesel heritage train by Byron Bay Railroad Company in Australia was retrofitted to be 100 percent solar-powered. A 6.5 kW curved carriage-top solar array and electric traction motors from the US, including a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery and regenerative breaking, powers the 70 ton train …
Tata Power Announces No New Coal-Fired Capacity
Tata Power, India’s largest private integrated power company, announced it will cease building new coal-fired capacity and pursue renewable energy as its long-term strategy. The company’s plan includes 70 percent of new capacity from solar, wind, …
UK Breaks No-Coal Record, then Peak-Solar Record
The first seven days of May in the United Kingdom (UK) became the first week since 1880 without producing electricity from coal-fired power plants. Most electricity during that week came from natural-gas-fired plants (46 percent), …
Beyond Platinum to LEED Zero
The world’s first LEED Zero building was certified by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Beyond LEED Platinum, LEED Zero, is achieved when a project team can document, by gathering and submitting a year of data, …
Puerto Rico to Transition to 100% Renewable Energy
Puerto Rico’s Governor signed The Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resiliency Law on May 23 to combat climate change while preparing the island for severe climate impacts to come. It includes a commitment to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050 with a …
NYC Mega Project Saves Energy by Design
The first phase of NY City’s Hudson Yards project (30th St and 10th Ave) retail hub is a one-million square foot, 7 story LEED Platinum building and contains primarily retail and offices with 20 percent housing. The LEED Gold-designed …
Midwest Universities Summit to Support Climate Collaboration
The first Midwest Collegiate Climate Summit will occur in early 2020 where representatives from universities, local governments, and businesses will gather to drive measurable, local action on climate by leveraging university resources. The focus of this convening, which will take …
US Education Sector Solar Could Provide $4 Billion In Annual Benefits
Educational institutions, including k-12 and higher education public and private institutions across the US, consume 11 percent of total US building electricity and contribute nearly 4 percent of US carbon dioxide emissions. The first analysis of the potential for solar PV in …
Illinois Launches Low-Income Solar Incentive Program
Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA), a low-income solar incentive program, was launched by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). The program will provide low-income and Environmental Justice communities access to clean energy by incentivizing solar projects that support residents, …