Thanks to Austin-based Green Mountain Energy, the office building of Girls Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) is home to a brand new 10-kW solar array. On September 13th, representatives from both organizations — including Green Mountain’s mascot, “Super Earth” — were on hand to “flip the ceremonial switch.” The solar installation incorporates 56 solar [...]

New survey shows Texans want their state to offer solar incentives to make solar power more affordable.

Several weeks ago, we relayed news that Texas was to launch a statewide solar incentive program. The state legislature was reviewing a bill that would allocate $500 million in rebates for utility-scale and small-scale rooftop solar installations. Serious cash was on the table. Observers rejoiced when a net-metering bill and the solar incentives passed the [...]

Texas — which already leads the country in wind generation — is jockeying to become a leader in solar power, too. As Margaret outlined last week, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would increase the subsidies available for solar installations across the state. The bill, which has been forwarded to the House for approval, [...]

Texas steps up to bat with a $500 million solar program, including a state-wide solar rebate to be offered through regional utilities.

Environmentalists and solar power developers are at odds over the benefits of building large solar power generation plants in the desert.

In addition to a recent report estimating that 440,000 permanent solar jobs could be created by the solar industry by 2016, advertising efforts in Florida and Texas urge state residents to consider the vast number of jobs that could be created and supported by increased solar incentives in their states.

Is it just me, or has there been a lot of recent chatter about state and city governments trying to attract cleantech investment? As outlined by CNET News, the recently passed fiscal stimulus package will extend billions of dollars in grants, tax credits, loans and loan guarantees to the renewable energy sector, including: A three-year [...]

Good news from the Lone Star State. Oncor Electric Delivery Company has announced plans to provide cash rebates for Texas residents and businesses who install solar PV systems. Dubbed the “Take a Load Off, TexasSM Solar Photovoltaic Incentive Program,” the initiative will disperse $16 million over four years. As reported by the Dallas Business Journal, [...]