With 17% of the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECOs) customers utilizing solar electricity, one could argue that solar is reaching mainstream on the islands. But as is often the case, all projects are not created equal. Historically it has been easier for homeowners to switch to solar and Oahu is proof with 32% of single family […] Read More
On a national scale, cheap and dirty fossil fuels are the primary sources of the United States’ electricity production. Composing nearly 40% of the 2013 grid mix, coal’s presence in the national energy lineup has a history that dates back before the industrial revolution. While U.S. coal-fired power plants are retiring at an increasing rate, […] Read More
A new solar boom is upon the Northeast U.S., according to the “2015 Solar Economic Barometer” from financial services firm Wiser Capital. Over 274,637 commercial buildings in the Northeast fit the site parameters required for a mid-scale commercial solar facility that collectively could produce 94,733 MW of renewable energy. In turn, this untapped market potential […] Read More
Mid September brought most of the solar industry’s movers and shakers to an unpleasantly tropical Anaheim, California for Solar Power International (SPI). Arguably the largest solar conference in the U.S., SPI offers educational opportunities, a huge expo hall, and more networking opportunities than you could possibly take advantage of (after back to back 18 hour […] Read More
Across the nation, schools are focusing efforts on sustainability and environmental stewardship as a source for education. From grade school to public and private universities, inspiring the future of sustainability professionals can be done inside and outside of the classroom. As a leader within their community, Free Horizon Montessori School (FHMS) aims to inspire their […] Read More
As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, Wiser Capital put its donation dollars to work this past July by supporting GRID Alternatives’ Solar Affordable Housing Program. Grid Alternatives has a track record for bringing renewable energy to low-income families across the United States, lighting up villages in Nicaragua, partnering with Tribal communities in […] Read More
2015 Solar Investment Index Finds Lack of Standardization and Ability to Asses Risks in Commercial Solar Projects, Prevents Investment A new commercial solar industry boom is upon America thanks to some new technology that is unlocking a previously difficult-to-access market. Over 60 percent of investors will invest in commercial solar and a staggering 83 percent […] Read More
Accurate utility bill analysis is crucial for a successful power purchase agreement. By understanding current use, we can accurately optimize system size, tariff and post solar savings. Within the California Investor Owned Utilities (SCE, PG&E and SDG&E) we have made it easier to upload utility bill information using GreenButton® data. The upload process is simple, accurate and […] Read More
Energy analysis is of the utmost importance when it comes to sizing financed solar arrays. Build a system too small and the Host Facility isn’t optimizing their savings. Build a system too big and they might be paying for energy they don’t need. Additionally, commercial tariffs have added complexities of demand and time of use, […] Read More
For years, as the residential and utility scale commercial solar markets expanded, the commercial sector has remained stagnant. Financing has not been available so no one is marketing to the sector…or is it the other way around? No one is marketing to the sector so there isn’t deal flow to have investors get excited? We […] Read More
