Latest news with #PVMagazine
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials lift suspension on initiative to bring low-cost power to homes and schools: 'Creates additional savings'
The Mississippi Public Service Commission (MPSC) has lifted a year-long suspension on programs offering solar incentives for public schools and low-income households. According to PV Magazine, the MPSC initially voted to suspend the incentives in 2024, reasoning that they weren't necessary with the Solar for All program offering funding to the state. However, Mississippi didn't receive any funding from the federal government, prompting the commission to vote unanimously on lifting the suspension. One of the programs the commission originally suspended was "Solar for Schools." This initiative enables school districts powered by Mississippi Power Company or Entergy Mississippi to install solar energy systems and offset their utility bills without any upfront cost. It also allows the eligible school districts to collaborate with a third-party solar company that finances, installs, and owns the solar facilities. The company sells the generated electricity to the schools through a power purchase agreement (PPA). The "Solar for Schools" program also covers incentives for battery storage and low-income households through the state's distributed generation rule. Per PV Magazine, a customer must either have a household income at or below 225% of the federal poverty level or a similar stipulation approved by the commission to be eligible for the incentive provided for low-income households. According to Mississippi Today, the state's distributed generation rule is similar to net metering, a program in which power companies reimburse customers who generate their own solar power and sell the surplus electricity generated back to the grid. However, Mississippi's program offers lower reimbursements compared to other states. By lifting the suspension on solar incentives in Mississippi, the commission is paving the way for more affordable and accessible solar energy for the state's residents, particularly school districts and low-income households. In addition to the state's incentives, Mississippi homeowners who install solar panels may also qualify for tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRA rewards homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient home solutions, like solar panels and heat pumps. However, it's important to note that these incentives might not last forever. President Donald Trump has signaled a desire to repeal these benefits, although changes to the IRA would require an act of Congress. However, the uncertainty of how long they'll last is all the more reason to take advantage sooner rather than later. Acting now could save homeowners thousands of dollars. Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The state's solar incentives also support wider adoption of solar energy, which can help to reduce planet-warming gas emissions from dirty energy sources and cool the planet. In 2023, about 60% of electricity generated in the US came from coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Solar panels harness energy from the sun, offering a clean and renewable alternative that doesn't produce harmful pollution. "For schools and homeowners that want to save money on their light bill, yesterday's vote creates additional savings to install solar," the Gulf States Renewable Energy Industry Association's executive director, Monika Gerhart, wrote in an email, according to Mississippi Today. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials unveil billion-dollar plan to address long-neglected issue: 'It's time for strong policies'
Australia's clean energy industries are set to undergo a major expansion, as the government has allocated AU $2 billion (US $1.2 billion) in the latest budget to invest in solar and storage, along with other planet-friendly technologies. As PV Magazine Australia reported, the 2025-26 federal budget has committed the funds to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, an Australian government-owned green bank. The funding will go toward private sector investments in wind, solar, green hydrogen, and electrification projects. That's in addition to nearly AUD$37 million (USD$22.7 million) to improve grid infrastructure and another AUD$10 million (USD$6.1 million) toward the accelerated connections fund, which aims to address grid access delays and boost efficiency. Green metal production will also receive financial support, with the AUD$1 billion (USD$600 million) green iron investment fund helping to accelerate Australia's transition to green steel. Climate energy finance director Tim Buckley told PV Magazine that the CEF is thankful for the green metals investments but "a lot more is needed" to support domestic clean energy technology manufacturing. "From here, there are abundant opportunities for the Federal Government to grow Australia's clean economy for generations to come through win-win solutions for our economy and climate," Climate Council economist Nicki Hutley told the magazine. A portion of the funds will be allocated to hydrogen and critical minerals tax incentives, low-pollution liquid fuels, and investments in renewable energy manufacturing, including battery and storage technologies. The impressive commitment to clean energy will benefit Australia's economy and ensure better health for people and the planet. As the transition to solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources continues to gain momentum, it's an excellent time to invest in sustainability-focused businesses and support eco-friendly initiatives. Governments provide financial backing for industries, but everyday people can drive positive change in the marketplace. "Now that we're securing the future of our industry with these investments, it's time for strong policies that put domestic manufacturers first," Australian Workers' Union national secretary Paul Farrow told PV. Farrow added that "stronger local procurement requirements" are needed to help steelworks and aluminum smelters to continue operations and grow. Meanwhile, using Australian-made materials for public infrastructure "makes perfect sense" for job security and creation. Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "[The Australian Energy Market Operator] expects investment in new energy infrastructure to support more than 60,000 energy jobs over the next 20 years, with the retirement of coal from our system prior to 2040," said CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth in a statement, adding that CEFC investments will help in the move to more sustainable energy. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nonprofit breaks ground on unprecedented project that will lower energy bills for thousands of homes: 'We are ecstatic'
The Land of Enchantment is getting a major eco-friendly boost, with solar installation company Affordable Solar breaking ground on New Mexico's first community solar project in February. As CleanTechnica reported, the Cuidando Los Niños Community Solar Project — named after a nonprofit that helps families and children experiencing homelessness — consists of seven solar installations totaling 35 megawatts. PV Magazine explained that the electricity generated from the solar projects will power an estimated 15,000 homes, with 50% of the energy going to low-income residents to help reduce their electric bills. The community solar farms will be located in Valencia County, about an hour south of Albuquerque. Gridworks, a top-rated engineering, procurement, and construction firm in solar projects, is partnering with Affordable Solar on the massive installation, which they anticipate will be operational in early summer. Community solar projects like this one expand access to affordable solar energy for residents and businesses that can't install rooftop solar because of costs, limited roof space, heavy shading, or restrictions on making sustainable upgrades. When electric utility customers sign up for community solar, they receive credits on their energy bill for the electricity generated while reducing reliance on polluting fuels. The Community Solar Act, which was introduced in New Mexico in 2021, made the groundbreaking solar project possible. The legislation allows utility customers to subscribe to electricity generated by solar farms under 5MW and offset monthly energy costs with utility bill credits. In addition to lowering electric bills for customers, the unprecedented solar project will bring much-needed jobs and economic stimulus to New Mexico. AES cited a University of New Mexico study that found community solar programs in the state will generate over $2.9 million annually in tax revenue, create 3,760 high-quality jobs over the next five years, and produce $517 million in economic benefits. "In alignment with the governor's plan for 50% renewable energy by 2030, this report illustrates that community solar has the potential to be a highly beneficial addition to the sustainable energy industry in New Mexico," Rose Rohrer, a research scientist for the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, said in a UNM news release. "After nearly four years of hard work, we are ecstatic to begin construction on this historic project and to play a role in bringing renewable energy to communities across New Mexico," Dylan Connelly, a project developer at Affordable Solar, said in a statement. "This project not only reflects our commitment to clean energy but also highlights our dedication to giving back to the communities where we live and work." Would you want a garden that can take care of itself? Sign me up Depends on the price No — that ruins the fun I don't like gardening Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Researchers uncover significant energy market shift in recent study: 'Shows what consistent policy can achieve'
A recent study revealed that Germany's renewable energy investments are already paying off. As PV Magazine reported, 80-90% of operational unit subsidies associated with the Renewable Energy Sources Act have already been paid. The researchers at Brandenburg University of Technology also found that onshore and offshore wind and ground-mounted photovoltaic installation costs have significantly improved and are now competitive. The researchers published their findings in Energy Policy to share what they learned about renewable energy unit subsidies in Germany. Their quantitative insights assessed subsidies based on feed-in tariffs, capacity in megawatts, average unit size, and the number of renewable units. The European Energy Exchange and other academic, institutional, and commercial sources provided data about electricity futures. The researchers' findings confirm the competitiveness of today's energy market and renewable energy fleets. Net support costs for renewable energy have been high in past years, so this news is encouraging for the future of clean, green energy. The researchers stated that "most net subsidies have already been paid" and that "in combination with battery storage, solar power will help the energy transition tremendously." However, they concluded that expanding wind power and ground-mounted PV should be the top priorities because they are the most cost-effective technologies. They're researching how to integrate more solar capacity and handle degrading PV modules. They recommended "streamlining the permitting process for RES projects and increasing community acceptance and deployment of flexibility technologies." This research from Germany is encouraging because it demonstrates how the world is moving toward more sustainable economies, providing investment and growth opportunities for individuals and communities. These researchers chose to study Germany because it sets a positive example of early renewable energy leadership. Germany has a track record of investment in clean energy and has ample quantitative information about those investments. Will America someday get all its energy from renewable sources? Yes — very soon Yes — by 2050 Yes — by 2070 Probably never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Worldwide, sustainability-focused companies are proving that they are worth the investment and that technologies are good for the planet and business. Clean energy projects promise high profit potential, create jobs, and make economies more resilient to extreme weather events. Meanwhile, other studies have revealed that dirty energy stocks are sharply declining and that investing in clean energy is a step in the right direction. Investing in clean energy stocks puts your money where your values are and helps fuel sustainability transitions. In response to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, one social media user commented, "Germany's renewables success shows what consistent policy can achieve." "We have the solutions; let's speed it up and implement them," another user wrote. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Startup unveils unbelievably smart machine that could help transform how we power our homes: 'Economic benefits'
A California-based startup has launched a recycling program for solar panels that aims to recover close to 100 percent of the resources. PV Circonomy recently opened its recycling and treatment service for silicon photovoltaic panels. The company uses proprietary technology for the recycling process, which is highly automated and non-polluting, as PV Magazine reported. The recycling machine, called the PV Circulator, was an Honoree in Sustainability & Energy/Power at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2024, where the public was introduced to its innovative recycling process. The PV Circulator doesn't use chemicals, heat, or water to recycle these old solar panels, and the end result includes materials that can be reintroduced into the manufacturing process. Frames and junction boxes are removed for easy recycling, while the remaining layers are milled and cooled by airflow in order to reduce the risk of chemical reactions, as the article explained. Glass, which accounts for nearly 75% of a panel's weight, can be reclaimed, along with ground glass pozzolan, as the report noted. That material meets regulations to be used in the cement needed in concrete, further helping to reduce global emissions. The airflow process aids in separating layers and materials, which helps retain the semiconductor and conductive properties of recycled silicon and metals, facilitating electrostatic separation for further processing, as PV Magazine detailed. Crystalline-silicon solar tech is one of the most popular types on the market, and the materials used are highly recyclable. The Environmental Protection Agency shared that the cumulative value of materials recovered from end-of-life panels could reach $450 million by 2030. That's enough to fund the production of 60 million new panels. By using an additional EVA-specific recycling machine that integrates a thermosetting polymer, the company can also generate a refined post-consumer recycled polymer for use in products like shoe soles and yoga mats. According to the Energy Information Administration, wind and solar energy will lead the way for power generation growth through 2026. Solar power alone accounts for 52% of utility-scale capacity additions in 2025, proving its forward momentum. Which of these factors would be your biggest motivator in buying eco-friendly furniture? Durable materials Chic design Lower price Not interested Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Recycling companies like PV Circonomy can help supply materials to build the next generation of solar panels as older units are decommissioned, providing a strong backbone for a sustainable circular economy in the sector. The company has also launched its EasyCycle service, which lets clients drop off end-of-life panels or arrange for pickup at their job site, making it easier for people to recycle panels rather than having them end up in landfills. "[PV Circonomy's] primary task is to support California's ban on chemical and thermal treatment regulations and solve the PV panel recycling problem through economic benefits," Andrew Hung, PV Circonomy CEO, told the magazine. The company also has a plan to offer its PV Circulator for lease outside of the U.S., to partners, decommissioning agencies, and local recyclers. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
