Showing posts with label solar investments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar investments. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2015
Monday, July 6, 2015
USB Analysts: Solar will become the 'Default Technology of the Future'
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/ubs-analysts-solar-will-become-the-default-technology-of-the-future
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Monday, March 9, 2015
New York is moving on up!!
New York Just Showed Every Other State How to Do Solar Right
"This is as exciting as the Public Service Commission gets."
New York wants to get serious about solar power. The state has a goal to cut its greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, and it's already among the nation's solar leaders. New York ranks ninth overall for total installed solar, and in 2013 alone it added enough to power more than 10,000 homes.
While that's great news for solar companies and environmentalists, it's a bit of a problem for electric utilities. Until recently, the business model of electric companies hadn't changed much since it was created a century ago. (The country's first electric grid was strung up by Thomas Edison in Manhattan's Lower East Side in the 1880s, and some parts of it continued to operate into the 2000s.) Utilities have depended on a steady growth in demand to stay ahead of the massive investments required to build power plants and the electric grid. But now, that tradition is crumbling—thanks to the crazy growth of rooftop solar and other alternative energy sources and some big advances in energy efficiency that have caused the overall demand for electricity to stop growing. Meanwhile, utilities in New York are also required to buy the excess power from solar buildings that produce more than they need—a policy called "net metering".
But here's the thing: Even the most ardent climate hawks agree that we can't afford for utilities to go out of business altogether. Someone needs to maintain and manage the grid. Hardly any solar homes are actually "off the grid," since they still depend on power lines to soak up their excess electricity during sunny afternoons and deliver power at night. In fact, net metering is a key factor in making solar economically viable to homeowners.
The question of how to aggressively slash carbon emissions without completely undermining the power sector (and simultaneously raising the risk of blackouts and skyrocketing electric bills) is one of the big existential questions that climate-savvy lawmakers are now trying to figure out. And last week in New York, they took a huge step forward.
Under a new order from the state's Public Service Commission, utility companies will soon be barred from owning "distributed" power systems—that means rooftop solar, small wind turbines, and basically anything else that isn't a big power plant. (There are some rare exceptions built into the order, notably for giant low-income apartment buildings in New York City that small solar companies aren't well-equipped to serve.)
"By restricting utilities from owning local power generation and other energy resources, customers will benefit from a more competitive market, with utilities working and partnering with other companies and service providers," the commission said in a statement.
The move is part of a larger package of energy reforms in the state, aimed at setting up the kind of futuristic power system that experts think will be needed to combat global warming. The first step came in 2007, when the state adopted "decoupling," a market design in which a utility's revenue is based not on how much power it sells, but on how many customers it serves. (Remember that in most states utilities have their income stream heavily regulated by the state in exchange for having a monopoly.) That change removed the incentive for utilities to actively block rooftop solar and energy-saving technology, because lost sales no longer translate to lost income. But because utilities could still make money by recouping the cost of big infrastructure projects through increases to their customers' bills, they had an incentive to build expensive stuff like power plants and big transmission hubs even if demand could be better met with efficiency and renewables.
Now, under New York's most recent reform, a utility's revenue will instead be based on how efficiently and effectively it distributes power, so-called "performance-based rates." This, finally, provides the incentive utilities need to make decisions that jibe with the state's climate goals, because it will be to their advantage to make use of distributed energy systems.
But there's a catch, one that had clean energy advocates in the state worried. If utilities were allowed to buy their own solar systems, they would be able to leverage their government-granted monopoly to muscle-out smaller companies. This could limit consumer options, drive up prices, and stifle innovation. That, in turn, could put a freeze on consumers' interest in solar and ultimately slow down the rate at which it is adopted. But if small companies are allowed in, then the energy market starts to look more like markets for normal goods, where customer choice drives technological advances and pushes down prices.
"New York's approach to limit utility ownership balances the desire for more solar with the desire to have competitive markets that we expect to continue to bring down the costs of solar," said Anne Reynolds, director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York.
The upshot is that solar in New York will be allowed to thrive without being squeezed out by incumbent giants like Con Edison and National Grid.
"This is as exciting as the Public Service Commission gets," said Raya Salter, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council in New York who worked with state regulators on the plan. "These are bold, aggressive changes."
The policy puts New York on track for a new way of doing business that many energy wonks now see as inevitable. In the past, the role of electric utilities was to generate power at a few central hubs and bring it to your house; in the near future, their role will be to facilitate the flow of power between countless independent systems.
"We need to plan for a primarily renewable system," said John Farrell, director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which advocates for breaking up the old utility model as a key solution to climate change. "We want to pay [utilities] for doing things we want, rather than paying for their return on investment for the things they build."
So far, the response from utilities has been receptive; a spokesperson for Con Ed said the company looks forward to developing details for how the order will move forward.
The change in New York could become a model for other states, Reynolds said. Regulators in Hawaii are already considering a similar policy.
"Everyone is watching to see what's happening here," she said. "It's really a model of what a utility could be in the future."
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Friday, January 9, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
Friday, December 12, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
New Revolution in Solar Panels
Check out our NEW Trina Smart Panels ... it's time to take full advantage of the SUN!!
First tech tenant on campus promises jobs, economic boost
Monolith Solar Co-founders, from left, Mark Fobare and Steven Erby at the announcement of the company’s new headquarters moving to the Vista Technology Campus in Slingerlands. Also pictured are Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams and Colombia Development President Joe Nicolla.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Governor Cuomo Announces Monolith Solar to Expand Operations in Vista Technology Campus
Expansion Will Allow Company to Increase Production to Meet Customer Demand and Create 76 New Jobs
Albany, NY (October 15, 2014 )
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced Monolith Solar, which delivers best-in-class engineering, design and installation of solar energy modules for residential, commercial and non-profit customers, is expanding its operations in the Capital Region. The company will build its new headquarters, and research and development and manufacturing facility in the Vista Technology Campus in Slingerlands. This high-growth project will retain 49 existing jobs and create 76 new jobs in the region. In addition, Monolith will install a solar farm adjacent to its new facility, producing enough electricity to power the majority of the tech park.
"Monolith's decision to expand in the Capital Region is another example of how our focus on the upstate economy is translating into jobs and new opportunities in the region," Governor Cuomo said. "Upstate New York is a prime location for high-tech companies like Monolith that want to grow and thrive, and with this expansion project the region is continuing to move forward as a hub for clean energy technologies. I am proud that our team was able to play a role in making this expansion project a reality, and I look forward to seeing it drive the local economy well into the future."
Monolith will construct and outfit a 16,000 square foot building in the tech park that will house its headquarters and back office operations, as well as a connected 10,000 square foot research and development and manufacturing facility. The $4.9 million expansion will include the purchase of machinery and equipment and employee training, and allow Monolith to meet increased customer demand. As part of the expansion, Monolith will also incorporate a 10 acre solar farm featuring approximately 6,700 solar panels, which will produce approximately two megawatts of power. The farm is in addition to the solar wall that will be located on the headquarters building. Solar features on Monolith's facility will generate approximately 400 kilowatts of power. High-resolution renderings of the Monolith expansion are available HERE.
"Monolith Solar was born in New York, has thrived in New York and now, we're expanding in New York," said Mark Fobare, Co-Founder and CEO of Monolith Solar. "Our business has grown from an operation in the garage of Steven Erby, my fellow Co-Founder, to a multi-regional leader in the high-tech sector, and this new, built-to-suit headquarters will allow us to continue to grow. This wouldn't have been possible without Governor Cuomo's commitment to economic development and growing renewable energy in New York. State initiatives make keeping our business and the dozens of high-tech jobs in New York an easy decision."
To support the expansion project, Empire State Development is providing the company with a $400,000 grant and $400,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program performance based tax credits, which are tied directly to job creation and investment commitments. In addition, Monolith has met with the Town IDA staff and intends to submit an application for IDA benefits.
Columbia Development is the developer of Vista, a 440-acre mixed-use site positioned in the heart of Tech Valley, with proximity to I-90, I-787, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and GE Global Research. Located in the Town of Bethlehem, Vista offers a wide range of first-class office and retail space and a location that makes it easy to work more efficiently and for companies to grow.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "The Capital Region is a well-known hub for the high-tech industry and Monolith will add to this growth. ESD's support will result in creation of 76 new, good-paying jobs in the community and spur future investment in the tech park."
Joseph R. Nicolla, President of Columbia Development, said, "We are proud to welcome Monolith Solar to the Vista Technology Campus. We had companies like Monolith in mind when we first began planning Vista, and I know Governor Cuomo's economic development initiatives were crafted with the intent of supporting and retaining these high-tech, alternative energy enterprises."
Senator Neil Breslin said, "The expansion of Monolith Solar is further proof that New York is committed to helping clean-tech industries flourish and expand their operations. These are the types of businesses that will help our economy continue to grow in the 21st century and I am thrilled to see that Monolith Solar will expand their headquarters right here in the Capital Region."
Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy said, "This is just the type of local business development we need on multiple fronts; Monolith Solar will be creating good paying jobs with career ladder opportunities in the renewable energy field. It's exactly what's needed in order to achieve long term environmental sustainability. This is the future and I commend the Town of Bethlehem for their leadership in bringing Monolith to Vista Park."
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "I am proud to have been involved in the discussions, not only to keep Monolith Solar in New York State, but to relocate their headquarters here to the town of Bethlehem. 76 new jobs are being created and this new facility is being built with growth in mind. That is a signal of a brighter future."
Bethlehem Town Supervisor John Clarkson said, "After years of planning, we are very excited to welcome Monolith Solar to Vista. This is the type of technology business that we want to attract, and I hope that this is the first of many announcements of this type."
Town of Bethlehem IDA Thomas P. Connolly said, "This is great news for the Town of Bethlehem. Monolith Solar is the type of technology tenant envisioned for Vista. I know the IDA is excited to review their application and I look forward to working with them in the future."
About Monolith Solar Associates
Founded in 2009, Monolith Solar Associates provides solar solutions to a wide variety of private and public institutions and individuals. Today, the company's projects together generate 9.6 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year, enough to power 1,200 homes, or the equivalent of 23 rail cars of coal from being burned annually.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
U.S. To Train Veterans To Install Solar Panels, White House Announces
| By By JOSH LEDERMAN
Posted: Updated:
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is planning to train veterans to become solar panel installers in the next six years, the White House said Thursday.
The jobs training program is among a host of initiatives the White House says will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 300 million tons through 2030, plus save billions of dollars on energy bills for homeowners and businesses. It will launch this fall at one or more military bases and train a total of at least 50,000, including veterans.
The Agriculture Department will also spend nearly $70 million to fund 540 solar and renewable energy projects, focused on rural and farming areas. And the Energy Department will propose stricter efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners, a move the department said could cut emissions more than any other efficiency standard it has issued to date.
The proposals are modest compared with what President Barack Obama has asked Congress to do through legislation to promote clean energy, invest in infrastructure projects and force reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. But with lawmakers unwilling to consider any major climate legislation, Obama has sought to maximize what presidential authority he does hold.
Next week, Obama will attend a one-day United Nations summit on climate change in which heads of state are expected to show up with commitments to curbing emissions at home.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Solar power isn’t just good for our finances. It’s also good for creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
Jobs & Economy
Solar power isn’t just good for our finances. It’s also good for creating jobs and stimulating the economy. A recent study from the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts found that for every $1 million invested in the solar energy industry, you get about 14 jobs, compared to 13 jobs in the wind energy industry, 7 jobs in the coal industry, and 5 jobs in the natural gas industry. Looks like the winner is again solar!
Monday, September 22, 2014
The Rockefellers are getting out of oil and starting to buy the sun - what's next?!
Rockefellers to withdraw fossil fuel investments
NEW YORK — The scions of the American oil industry are divesting from fossil fuels.
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, established by Standard Oil Co. tycoon John D. Rockefeller, will begin untangling its $860 million of investments from fossil fuels and shift those dollars toward renewable energy, the philanthropy will announce Monday.
The action is another symbolic step away from greenhouse-gas emitting fuels, which most scientists blame for warming the planet. It also shows the expanse of the "divest-invest" push led by environmental activists. The effort aims to persuade large endowments to shift their investments from fossil fuels to cleaner sources, such as renewable energy, that first targeted universities.
The theory is that policies aimed at restraining carbon emissions will make investing in fossil fuels more risky. Environmental activists point to credit downgrades of coal companies and coal-based utilities following proposed Obama administration cuts to carbon emissions from power plants as an example.
Events around New York timed around Tuesday's United Nations climate summit — such as a march Sunday that organizers say drew 300,000 — have underscored the push to address climate change.
The Rockefeller move highlights some of that sentiment. Standard Oil, after all, spawned the likes of ExxonMobil and Chevron.
The divesting movement is picking up steam. The Rockefeller announcement will come as part of a broader coalition of philanthropies, non-governmental organizations and faith groups that will reveal $50 billion worth of assets divesting from fossil fuels.
Philanthropies are a newer target. More than 160 environmentalists from 44 countries last week prodded philanthropies — particularly those that offer grants and other funds to projects aimed at curbing climate change — to pull investments in fossil fuel companies.
Institutional lenders also have begun exploring ways to offer more environmentally friendly options for their clients. Activists are pressuring traders as well — on Monday, they protested on Wall Street with a rally that reminded many of the Occupy movement.
But the divestment push is still fairly new and faces some roadblocks.
Deborah Gordon, director of the climate and energy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said she doesn't envision that markets — especially commodities traders — will quickly respond to longer-term climate threats.
"I'm a little less hopeful when it comes to the investment community," Gordon told the Washington Examiner. "They are very much trying to take advantage of the instance in trade. And climate change is very much not that."
Pension funds, too, are a bit trickier for the divestment movement. They're a big target, controlling billions of dollars in assets. But they are run by boards with a responsibility to their pensioners — and fossil fuel companies have provided fairly stable returns.
Scott Stringer, the comptroller for New York City, told the Washington Examiner that withdrawing the city's $160 billion pension fund from fossil fuel investments is "on the table," but he noted he is just one person on the board.
"I'm the fiduciary of the fund. It's not my money. There's five other people — I don't have a unilateral role in this," Stringer said at the People's Climate March on Sunday. "But there's so much more we can do, like on corporate governance. So we're looking at all those options."
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Summer Energy!!
Summer brings a wealth of young talent and enthusiasm to our Monolith Solar Team. We are excited to welcome our summer interns Bridget & Jean to the Monolith Family!
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