Solar farm development similar to Ipsun Solar’s upcoming 2 Megawatt project.
Contrary to the effects of recent government actions at the federal level, the solar industry has recently seen encouraging stories of other governments and agencies across the country working to boost their clean energy presence through large-scale projects.
In Nevada
The primary electrical utility in Nevada said at the end of May that if the state voted against an energy-related constitutional amendment on the ballot in November, they would nevertheless partner with six major solar development companies. They claim they will buy enough power from these companies’ projects to supply more than 600,000 homes. The amendment would deregulate the state’s energy utility market. It would also unfold a process that would place a greater burden on consumers, specifically solar panel owners, to pay for electricity.
Paul Caudill the CEO of NV Energy, Nevada’s main energy provider, said that their project would exceed two billion in cost. This would be the largest investment project to date in the state’s history, according to the utility’s chief executive.
Make it Here
While the U.S. Department of Energy still serves as a limb on the current administration’s tree of policy wielding, it recently showed great support to the elevation and sustainability of the solar industry in the long-term. On June 7th the DOE launched its American-Made Solar competition designed to incentivize citizens everywhere to generate innovative ideas for the U.S. solar industry moving forward.
Abigail Ross Harper is the CEO of the national non-profit trade association, the Solar Energy Industries Association. In a statement released last week, Harper said, “The U.S. solar industry is a leader in entrepreneurship and ingenuity, and we support efforts like these that can pave the way to competitiveness for American companies.”
In Hawaii
In Hawaii, the state with the 8th largest solar capacity, they recently passed the Ratepayer Protection Law which will will incentivize the Hawaii Public Utility Commission to perform better for consumers and penalize them if they fail to meet certain standards. Some of these standards include more affordable electric rates for customers and an effective integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
Here in Virginia
As for residents of Fairfax County, Virginia, those who install equipment that serves them the purpose of collecting solar energy for uses that would otherwise require conventional methods will receive a tax exemption for five years. Not only are Fairfax homeowners able to apply for this exemption but as are local commercial businesses as well. Ipsun Power holds its warehouse here is Fairfax and is an official Fairfax Green Business Partner.
Action occurring at some of the lowest levels of our nation and body politic are revealing of the overall advancements the solar industry is making.