By Roy L Hales
Solar Incentives are very important in Washington (state). With power less than $0.10/kWh throughout the state, some customers wouldn’t put solar panels on their roofs if it weren’t for the incentive. The state paid out approximately $19.6 million for incentives in 2013. A Solar Washington study found that for every $1 Washington paid out in solar incentives, $2.46 was injected back into the economy.
Continue reading For Every $1 Washington Paid Out In Solar Incentives
Originally Published on the Watershed Sentinel
Kimberly’s city council has a history of embracing innovation. They rebranded Kimberly “the Bavarian city of the Rockies” once it became apparent the Sullivan mine was going to run out. Further ventures into tourism led to the acquisition of the local ski hill and construction of what is now one of Canada’s 10 top golf courses. Both of these projects have since been sold. The city was ready for something new when Michel de Spot, CEO of Vancouver’s Ecosmart Foundation, approached them in 2008. He said the former Sullivan mine is the perfect site for a utility scale solar project.
Continue reading Going Solar at SunMineCanada is one of the top Nations for Renewable Investments. It ranked #5 in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) last September. The total for investments jumped 26% in 2014, over the previous year, to $9 billion.
The Anti-Chinese Dumping Duties stand. The US International Trade Commission upheld the US Department of Commerce’s Decision, from December 16, by 5-0 vote for China, and 4-1 with regard to Taiwan. Anti-dumping duty rates of 52.13% and anti-subsidy rates of 38.72% will be imposed on most solar panels imported from China. Anti-dumping rates of 19.50% will be imposed on most solar cells from Taiwan, regardless of where the panels are assembled into panels.
Continue reading The Anti-Chinese Dumping Duties StandEditor’s Note: The City of Vancouver has since informed me that some of the information in this article arises from a misunderstanding. Permitting costs do not include the equipment, just installation costs, which significantly reduces the totals used below. Rob Baxter, President of SPEC, says the this is a verbal commitment they made and not yet in writing. It is expected to cut $650 from the bill, which he says will still be at least three times higher than permitting in Toronto.
Vancouver intends to become the Greenest City in the world. It has drawn up an Action Plan identifying 10 specific goals for that it wants addressed by 2020. These include the city’s carbon emissions, Waste and Ecosystems, but they appear to have largely overlooked the potential for solar energy. Vancouver is one of the least attractive cities for solar.
Continue reading Vancouver’s New Permits Discourage Rooftop Solar
