Archives

With solar power on the rise around the country, a national network of fossil fuel and utility-backed organizations have joined forces to put the brakes on this fast-growing, pollution-free energy resource. Trade groups and think tanks backed by deep pocketed anti-clean energy ideologues and fossil interests are bankrolling campaigns, promoting model legislation and running media campaigns to provide cover for anti-solar campaigns across the country, said a new report released today by Environment California Research & Policy Center.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today praised the passage of California’s Senate Bill 350, the leadership of the bill’s sponsor and champion, Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leòn, and Gov. Jerry Brown, who earlier this year set out the ambitious vision of meeting 50 percent of the state’s electricity needs with renewable energy. In addition to increasing energy efficiency in buildings, the bill increases the state’s Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 50 percent by 2030.

Approximately 300 students from 17 California school districts are participating in this summer's SunPower Solar Science Academy, a work-based learning program provided by SunPower. In total, more than 600 students and 86 teachers have participated since the summer academy was launched in 2012.

Coronal Group LLC (Coronal) and Panasonic Eco Solutions (Panasonic) announced the completion of the 220-acre Coronal Lost Hills Solar Project, which generates enough emission-free solar energy to power approximately 5,200 Southern California homes through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Southern California Edison (SCE).

Homes and businesses with solar panels deliver more value to power customers and society than they receive through programs like net metering, a report said today, countering increasing complaints from utilities that solar homeowners don’t pay their fair share