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, [...]
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 [...]
Ever thought, “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if I could put a solar panel on my roof and get paid for it by the utility?” Well, this 2-part report from a San Diego TV reporter is a pretty good primer on the issues you would face. Check out the videos after the break (they both [...]
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.
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 [...]
All week last week, while traveling to Denver for a conference by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, I was looking forward to the Solar Decathlon. (No offense to ACEEE of course.) Even on Friday, when the weather was best described as “questionable,” it was a great feeling to walk across the D.C. [...]
As more details about the Solyndra bankruptcy and governmental support for the now-defunct solar manufacturer emerge, an important question is going to have to be addressed: What now? Renewable energy is wildly popular in the United States. Indeed, a poll completed in 2009 showed that a whopping 92 percent of Americans supported solar energy. Perhaps [...]
Imagine you were head of an agency charged with providing affordable energy, stewarding the environment and supporting economic development and technological innovation. Now imagine that the agency operated a program that fostered the development of 100% clean and renewable energy from emerging technologies, created local jobs and attracted private investments in local communities, and cost [...]
The following blog post was written by Claire Pendergrast, SACE summer intern (Atlanta office). I wish her all the best at Dartmouth this Fall and beyond. To round out the final days of my summer internship with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), I had the opportunity to tour Down to Earth Energy’s (DTE) [...]
