After Wall Street popularized the term “mortgage-backed securities” in their destruction of the economy in 2008, you could be forgiven for thinking “solar securities” are a pyramid scheme. But in truth, they […]
Microgrid Keeps the Power Local, Cheap, and Reliable
A recently completed distributed energy project at the large, 4,000-inmate Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, California, ties together power from fuel cells, solar panels, wind turbines, and diesel generators—all located at […]
Solar Investment Tax Credit Pays For Itself, Delivers 10% Return
The solar investment tax credit (ITC) can deliver a 10% internal rate of return to taxpayers on the U.S. government’s initial investment, according to a new report published by the U.S. Partnership […]
Where’s the Money for Energy Efficiency Financing?
Amongst the problems with energy efficiency upgrades is the little issue of money. Even though the projects will ultimately save a city, business or household money over the long haul, it’s tough […]
On-bill Repayment: Great Promise, but Challenges Remain
On-bill repayment has received a great deal of attention during the last few years as a potential approach to expanding the reach of energy efficiency financing in the residential and commercial sectors. […]
A PACE Rebirth? Sacramento and Ygrene Try to Unlock Green Homes
Property assessed clean energy, or PACE, financing — paying for home solar installations, energy efficiency retrofits and other green improvements through property taxes — was all the rage a few years ago. […]
In Europe, Coal Regains Its Crown
According to BP’s “Statistical Review of World Energy,” released last month, coal consumption in Europe went up 3.3% last year over 2010. Germany, the biggest consumer of coal in Europe, consumed 77.6 […]
Silent Power, Hanwha to Partner on On-Site Solar Batteries
Sticking a battery on your home solar system seems like the simplest idea in the world. You could use it to ride through power outages, or run appliances on stored solar power […]
Monthly coal- and natural gas-fired generation equal for first time in April 2012
Recently published electric power data show that, for the first time since EIA began collecting the data, generation from natural gas-fired plants is virtually equal to generation from coal-fired plants, with each […]
Cut The Price Of Solar In Half By Cutting Red Tape
By Barry Cinnamon A myth persists that solar power is too pricey. The reality is that in many states _ such as California, New York and Hawaii – solar is already cheaper […]
Prometheus Institute 