Facebook Instagram Linkedin RSS Twitter Youtube

New Hampshire

As the 5th smallest state by size in nation, New Hampshire sure is making a big impact in the future of solar energy. New Hampshire is in the process of shaping its solar energy future through a robust public policy debate. The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) states that by 2025, 25% of the state’s electricity will come from renewable energy, and 0.7% of this will be from solar. You may start to notice more solar panels on rooftops during your fall foliage drive through Dover, or from the top of Mount Washington.

State Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

New Hampshire has over 1,000 solar workers across the state.

Warner, New Hampshire already has a solar powered bookstore and outdoor stage.

According to the Solar Foundation, most solar companies do not require a bachelor’s degree for new hires.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • Order Adopting a New Net Metering Tariff, What Does This Mean?
    In June 2017, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission approved new net metering tariffs which will apply monthly credits to small solar customers. The tariff is meant to boost the American solar manufacturing industry and is temporary. It will be implemented while data surrounding solar is collected and pilot programs are launched, dropping from 30% to 5% in the next several years.
  • The Search for the Oldest Panel
    Solar has been helping power ‘The Granite State’ for decades now, but how many from decades ago are still in use? New Hampshire’s Granite Geek begins the search for the oldest solar panel which they believe could date back to 1979.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

State Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

According to the Solar Foundation, Nevada comes in ranking 10th out of all the states for solar jobs and 4th for installed solar capacity.

The solar industry has created more than 6.500 jobs for hard-working Americans in Nevada.

Two of the largest single-site solar PV plants in the United States are located in Clark County and Boulder City. These plants have the ability to power more than 41,000 families in the state.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • Nevada’s Latest and Greatest RPS
    It’s looking like a bright future ahead for Nevada. Lawmakers hit the ground running in February 2017 and began the first steps in implementing a new RPS for the state with AB 206 stating that 40% of Nevada’s energy needs to be from renewable sources by 2030.
  • Establishing Guidelines for a Solar Community Program
    Although vetoed, SB 392 will be returning to the Nevada Senate floor in 2019. This bill would mean that the state will need to establish guidelines for a community solar program, including provisions allowing up to $1 million in incentives for low-income solar projects.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

The solar industry employs more than 250,000 Americans according to the National Solar Jobs Census. This is a 168% increase since 2010.

Solar makes up just under 2% of energy generation in the U.S., yet employs twice as many people as other energy competitors.

93% of solar installation companies do not require their employees to possess a bachelor’s degree.

The first solar cells were available for purchase to the public in 1956.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • Solar Powering America
    This interagency initiative between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports greater solar development across the nation. The Solar Powering America page provides educational resources for the energy consumer interested in learning more about the benefits of going solar.
  • Solar to Grow Significantly from 2016 to 2025
    Federal and state initiatives have secured a successful future for solar energy. According to a Global Market Insight report, the Global Concentrated Solar Power Market is expected to grow at over 17% CAGR to surpass $120 billion by 2025.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

State Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

Minnesota ranks 16th out of the states for highest amount of solar jobs. The ‘North Star State’ has over 4,200 jobs in the solar industry.

Minnesota currently has enough solar power to run over 116,000 households.

The state’s community solar program is a national model and the nation’s largest.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • Minnesota Residents Have New Solar Options
    A new network of community solar farms went online earlier this year allowing state residents in 34 counties to sign up to go solar. Collectively, the eight farms will produce 42.5 megawatts of solar energy.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

State Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

There are over 4,000 people employed in Michigan thanks to the solar industry according to The Solar Foundation.

Campus Chapel in Ann Arbor achieved net-zero energy usage because of a 12 kW solar array installed on its roof in 2017.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • Tax Breaks for Household “Alternative Energy” Installations
    In March 2018, HBs 5143 & 5680 were introduced to the Michigan House of Representatives proposing to make investments in residential and small-scale solar energy equitable under the tax code. This means treating the addition of solar panels on residential property the same as installing a back up generator or high efficiency furnace. In June 2018, both bills were passed by an overwhelming majority.
  • Flushing Township Planning Commission Says Yes to Solar
    In July 2018 the Flushing Township Planning Commission passed an ordinance allowing residents to install solar PV panels. This means residents have the option to attach solar panels to their roof or to the ground outside their home.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

Massachusetts is ranked 2nd out of all the states for highest number solar jobs. According to the Solar Foundation, there are more than 11,500 jobs thanks to solar energy plants and installers.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) plays a large role in discovering and creating more efficient solar technology, which means the increasing affordability of solar energy is partially in thanks to MIT.

There is enough solar power to run 333,488 Massachusetts households.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • An Act to Promote Energy Diversity
    In August 2016, Governor Baker signed into law a comprehensive energy bill passed by the state legislature. Bill H.4568 requires Massachusetts to solicit long-term contracts – lasting 15 or 20 years – for 1,200 megawatts of hydropower or other renewable resources, such as land-based wind or solar.
  • Promoting a Clean Energy Future
    In June 2018, the Massachusetts State Senate approved a package of energy bills proposing a slew of new provisions in The Bay State’s solar space. If implemented, we could see changes ranging from a 100% renewable energy standard by 2047 to removing the state’s net metering caps.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

According to The Solar Foundation, The Burtonsville, Maryland company ‘SolarWindow Technologies’ is working on turning windows into transparent solar panels. The company hopes to eventually deploy the technology onto office buildings and skyscrapers, generating energy from the acres of glass soaking up the sun.

More people work in the solar industry than the crab industry in Maryland today.

Nearly 103,000 homes are powered by solar in the state of Maryland.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • House Bill 584 – Net Energy Metering
    Increases the maximum generation capacity of an electric generating system used by an eligible customer-generator for net metering to 5 megawatts, prohibits the Public Service Commission from prohibiting the construction or operation of multiple net-metered solar generating facilities located on contiguous lots that are owned by a local government solely because the capacity of the combined net metering systems exceeds the 5-megawatt limit.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Maine receives 30% more sunlight than Germany, a world leader in solar energy installations.

Maine had a 25% increase in solar job growth in 2017 according to the Solar Job Census.

Maine has one of the strongest Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) in the nation. It says that the Pine Tree State should currently be operating under 40% renewable energy.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • Mill Slated For Maine’s Largest Privately-Funded Solar Project
    Maine is making headlines again for leading the charge towards a solar energy future. Pepperell Mill in Biddeford will soon become the site of the largest privately-held solar energy project in the state. The project includes 1,200 PV panels and is expected to produce more than enough electricity to meet the needs of the mill campus’s residential units.
  • Both Maine House and Senate Vote to Support Solar Bill
    In March 2018, Maine’s House and Senate voted overwhelmingly in support of LD 1444. The bill was intended to increase access to community solar in Maine and keep utility companies from charging new fees on solar power. However, LD 1444 was vetoed by the Governor and filed away. Similar bills are expected to make their way to the floor within the next several years.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

A majority of the jobs in the Louisiana solar industry are located in New Orleans.

There is enough solar power in the state to power over 7,000 homes and six schools.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Executive Summary

2018 Solar Report

The Illinois renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requires that the state generates 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.

There are over 3,500 solar jobs supporting families in Illinois thanks to the solar industry according to The Solar Foundation.

The Future Energy Jobs Act calls for the installation of roughly 2,700 MW of solar by 2030, more than 30 times the state’s current solar capacity.

Solar Energy News

Load more
Current and Recent Initiatives
  • Trio of Bills Await Governor’s Signature
    Sparked by the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act came three bills proposing solar farms on Illinois farmland. In summary the bills look to standardize expectations and requirements for large-scale solar installations being built on farmland. One bill, SB 486 deals with the calculation of property taxes for land receiving these panels. Another bill, SB 2591 would make it so solar developers have to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to compensate landowners for impact on agricultural use of their farmland. In addition, once the solar installation’s lifespan is up they must return the borrowed land to farmers. Finally, SB 3214 states that the land around these solar installations must be designated as habitat for pollinators like bees, beetles, and other insects.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

© Consumer Energy Alliance