Two more weeks to get ready for SPI.  Make sure you get prepared for the show, it is always a bit busier than expected with meetings and good times seeing old friends.  Make sure to catch the great events IREC is putting on, a group that has quietly become the standard bearer for … standards.  And if you plan to wear a suit, make sure you know why!

News

• PV-Tech: PV investment potential still largely untapped, says Citigroup head
• CleanTechnica: 50,250 New American Jobs From These Solar Guidelines
• Greentech Media: Rooftop Solar Scores a Crucial Win Against Arizona’s Utility
• Solar Industry: Despite Efforts, Shadow Remains Over U.S./China Solar Trade
• Energy Collective: Will the SEIA Settle the US-China Solar Energy Dispute?
• Sustainable Business: California Moves to Protect Solar Systems During Fires
• Breaking Energy: US on a Path to Clean Energy, One City at a Time
• RE World:Behind the Scenes at the US Solar Decathlon 

Opinions

• Rod Adams: How Painful Will the Coming Spike in Natural Gas Prices Be?

Have a great day!

Yann

I recall helping a solar decathlon team a few years ago and thinking how far out all of those ideas were.  Today, in what seems to be a leap into the future, the homes seems so realistic for everyday life.  Congrats to the students exhibiting at this year’s event.  Please support them by seeing their work and helping future competitors.

News

• Greentech Media: Tracking the Billions Invested in Residential Solar Finance
• Solar Industry: Global Solar Growth Set To Hit Three-Year High In 2014
• CleanTechnica: Path To A Brighter Future: Solar Decathlon 2013 Infographic
• RE World: Five Reasons Why China’s Solar Demand Could Surprise You
• Greentech Media: NEM Battle Rages On: Who Pays for the Electrical Grid?
• Marietta Journal: Georgia Power wants to add fee to solar-powered customers
• Denver Post: Who killed US solar makers? Chinese aren’t the only culprits
• Fox News: Firefighters alarmed by latest rescue risk: solar panels

Opinions

• AZ Central: Don’t leave rooftop solar hanging until 2015

Have a great day!

Yann

Disappointing news from D.C., and it isn’t about the shutdown.  The Senate (or K Street) has pushed hard enough on Ron Binz to get him to withdraw from being considered as Chair of FERC.  It is becoming apparent that the battles will be fought at utility commissions, with the key players being the commissioners.  Ron Binz was widely known for his work on Colorado’s solar policies which also led to his demise.  The solar industry was unable and lacked activism to push for his confirmation, a lesson learned for us all.

News

• USA Today: Nominee for energy regulatory post withdraw
• Bloomberg: AZ Regulators Recommend Rejecting Cut to APS’s Solar Rates
• Ventura Star: Utilities commission to take up solar power issues
• Greentech Media: 6 Perspectives on the Fate of Utilities
• RE World: What the US Government Shutdown Means for Renewable Energy
• Greentech Media: Solar Module Industry Leery of SEIA’s China Trade Plan
• ABC: Utilities, Solar Companies in Fight Over Rates
• Bloomberg: Exploding Fuel Tankers Driving U.S. Army to Solar Power

Opinions

• Solar Power World: California Solar Initiative For PV Succeeds: What’s Next?

Have a great day!

Yann