New Jersey, one of the strongest solar markets in the country, has been troubled by a budget freeze imposed by new Governor Chris Christie. Among the frozen assets are $158 million from the New Jersey’s Clean Energy Fund. If these funds are not released back into operation, the CEF predicts lower solar rebate levels for [...]

As we mentioned early last week, San Francisco is launching a $150-million innovative loan program to help homeowners and businesses finance “sustainable building improvements.” Improvements that are eligible will include insulation upgrades, the replacement of old windows, the installation of low-flow toilets and (drumroll please….) the installation of solar electric panels and solar water heating systems!
For the benefit [...]

In this post, we’re reviewing the solar incentives offered by the municipal utilities of Vernon, Azusa, Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank. Check out Part One of our LA coverage for details of SCE and LADWP solar rebates and for a review of terms.
In order to participate in most rebate programs, the process is usually as follows: [...]

A swath of land with enormous solar potential, it’s no wonder that Los Angeles County offers a wealth of opportunities to go solar. The California Solar Initiative (CSI) mandated four years ago that all investor-owned utilities in the state must offer a solar rebate, and in 2008  began requiring municipal utilities to do so [...]

Geoscape Solar, a New Jersey-based solar installation company, today announced New Jersey’s first residential solar leasing program. The new program will enable homeowners to get solar panels installed with no upfront cost.
“The benefits of solar energy sell themselves,” said Jeffrey Chavkin, president and co-founder, Geoscape Solar. “What customers [...]

California utility Pacific Gas & Electric Corporation (PG&E) announced yesterday a deal with SolarCity that will enable homeowners and businesses to install solar energy systems with small or no upfront investment. Instead of owning the systems, customers pay a monthly fee to SolarCity, which owns the solar panels and can sell the electricity they generate. [...]

Often, the first thing someone wants to know about solar is: How much does it cost? When I talk to people about their interest in solar power, I try to emphasize that this is not only a difficult question to answer, but often, it isn’t the correct one to ask in the first place. Having [...]

Behind their shared pride in the Golden State’s green incentives, two types of renewable energy proponents are fueling a debate over the direction California’s solar movement—and perhaps that of the nation—should take. Most of the high-profile solar development projects in California and elsewhere across the country are large-scale power plants, which sell electricity to utilities [...]

Solar Phoenix provides a solar leasing program for city residents, a collaboration of the city, National Bank of Arizona, APS, and SolarCity.

PSE&G will fund 51 more MW of solar installations with their expanded Solar Loan II Program.