A recent study released by the Tennessee Solar Institute (TSI) highlights the state’s growing solar value chain as one of the bright spots in Tennessee’s economy, but warns that Tennessee must remain diligent to avoid losing solar-related jobs and business opportunities to neighboring states. The study details a well-diversified solar value chain, with installers, manufacturers, [...]
We set a new record in 2011, but not one that anyone would want to brag about. This year, the U.S. has been battered by 12 separate natural disasters, each sporting a $1 billion price tag. The final number could be higher still as damages from Tropical Storm Lee and a late October snowstorm in [...]
Bob Inglis’ call to “simultaneously eliminat[e] all subsidies” for energy is another way that he believes we can use the “power of free markets” to make better choices about energy use. Although “subsidies” are often discussed, it is a concept that is hard to pin down. The World Trade Organization definition of a subsidy amounts [...]
As Grist’s David Roberts might remind us, Bob Inglis’ recent climate change commentaries are a throwback to an era when policy and appeals to self interest had a role in national politics. A year after reasoned debate abruptly surrendered to unhinged anti-environmental sentiment, Bob Inglis’ perspective is barely heard by the most vocal members of [...]
Senator Bob Corker recently held a forum at UT Chattanooga’s campus to discuss the state’s electricity issues and what that means for job creation in this area. Unfortunately, the roundtable was more of a half-circle as it did not include a single representative from the state’s multi-billion dollar (and growing) renewable energy and energy efficiency [...]
Yes, Solyndra was disappointing. But we must not forget the many successful projects that have also received taxpayer support. Here are a few great examples of REAP solar projects in the Southeast region.
For over a decade, states have been coasting along with policies that affect the market for key energy resources: small renewable energy generators and companies that practice cogeneration (also known as energy recycling, or combined heat and power). As advocates for consumer-friendly energy efficiency, we’ve learned that these same policies affect energy efficiency, particularly what [...]
Knoxville’s 2011 Solar Home Tour is October 22. SACE is excited about this year’s annual tour, and welcomes the recent expansion of solar energy development in east Tennessee. I am especially excited to offer my home as one of the stops along the tour. Our objective is to have a net-zero home, and between our [...]
While the failure of Solyndra is unfortunate, it does not, as some have claimed, represent the dimming of the solar industry’s bright future or make the case that using public funds to attract private investment is a bad idea. Especially here in Tennessee. Tennessee has seen dramatic growth all along the states solar supply chain [...]
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is very happy to have received our long-awaited 2011 Nissan LEAF. SACE is part of the The EV Project in Tennessee. Staff at our Knoxville, Tennessee office will be writing about their experiences using the LEAF, so stay tuned to hear more about how this new technology can fit [...]
