New Expanded Grant Program Supporting the Energy Needs of Rural America
3 years ago · 3 minute read
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It provides financial assistance and technical support to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for installing renewable energy systems, making energy efficiency improvements, and performing energy audits. The program is designed to help rural communities […]
Mining the Earth for Solar Panels?
3 years ago · 4 minute read
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently released the final synthesis report of its Sixth Assessment Report (completed every 5 years). This report stated that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are higher now than they have been in the last two million years. Additionally, global greenhouse gas emissions between 2010 and 2019 were […]
History of Clean Water Standards
3 years ago · 4 minute read
“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Water protection is a complex topic that involves a variety of approaches including regulations, wastewater treatment, hazard mitigation, land use controls, and public education (just to name a few). In the U.S., the first federal regulations of drinking water can be traced back to 1914. But […]
Renewables Up, Coal Down, Natural Gas Production Up in 2023
3 years ago · 2 minute read
In 2023, the share of U.S. electrical generation by renewable energy is expected to increase, according to a U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) January 2023 report. This increase is driven primarily by increased solar capacity and new wind projects. After representing 21 percent of electricity generation in 2022, the EIA is forecasting renewables (primarily wind […]
5 Reasons Why Interest in Solar Energy Is at an All-time High
3 years ago · 3 minute read
5 Reasons Why Interest in Solar Energy Is at an All-time High Business owners are expressing interest in solar energy for a number of reasons—important among these are the high cost of electricity, new government tax credits, and the ability to access solar without the need for capital expenditure. By adopting solar as part of […]
Encouraging Investment in Solar with The Inflation Reduction Act
3 years ago · 3 minute read
Encouraging Investment in Solar with The Inflation Reduction Act With the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, the U.S. Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 in early August. The legislation provides the industry with a predictable energy policy for the next decade as well as $369 billion in spending […]
Expanding The Use of Renewable Energy by Waiving Tariffs
4 years ago · 3 minute read
To spur solar panel projects in the U.S., the Biden administration waived tariffs on solar panels from four Southeast Asian nations for two years and invoked the Defense Production Act. While the temporary suspension of the tariff may increase the availability of solar panels, other factors such as inflation, interest rates, and on-going supply chain […]
Mitigating the Impact of High Electricity Costs
4 years ago · 3 minute read
Mitigating the Impact of High Electricity Costs Business owners in Pennsylvania face higher electricity bills this summer as generation costs spike. By installing a solar energy system, they can reduce the impact of costly energy rate hikes. Natural Gas Prices Increase Generation Costs Natural gas is the fuel stock used to generate half of Pennsylvania’s […]
Turning Your Roof into a Potential Revenue-generating Asset
4 years ago · 3 minute read
Turning Your Roof into a Potential Revenue-generating Asset Owners of commercial buildings have a unique opportunity to transform a cost center into a possible revenue-generating asset. By coordinating a roof replacement or refurbishment with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, owners can: Reduce roof and solar maintenance costs with coincident warranty terms for […]