NV Energy collaborates on solar power for low-income customers
16 May: Nevadan utility NV Energy has collaborated with Texas-based CLEAResult Energy to complete a solar pilot programme for low-income solar customers.
The programme, known as the ‘Lower Income Solar Energy Pilot Programme’ was created by the Nevada legislature in 2013 to diversify access to cheap, clean energy. It allocated 2MW of private solar projects to be installed for the low-income bracket.
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Now, NV Energy and CLEAResult have completed the second phase of the programme, by delivering 1MW of solar to non-profit organisations serving lower-income communities.
Throughout the duration of the programme, 15 solar PV systems were installed for the benefit of families in need, veterans and children.
San Jose green lights California’s largest community choice programme
16 May: San Jose officially is the largest California city to approve the Community Choice Energy programme – which serves to pool funds from local communities to purchase renewable energy.
The city council unanimously approved the programme on Tuesday.
“While leaders in Washington continue to languish in a petroleum-fuelled past, cities like San Jose will chart the path to a more sustainable future,” said mayor Sam Liccardo.
San Jose produces 22.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, so the programme was a win for environmental protection groups and clean energy advocates.
The CCE kick-starts next spring and is one of eight state-wide programmes. Although it is requiring US$55 million in capital, the programme is expected to cover its own costs over time. It offers San Jose residents an alternative energy option than purchasing power from utility Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).
Crius Solar partners with Canada’s Solar Alliance for US residential sales
17 May: After Vancouver-based Solar Alliance Energy successfully expanded its sales team and acquired certain undisclosed US solar assets; the company is solidifying its new position in the US market with a partnership with Crius Solar.
The two companies signed a Solar Orientation Agreement, under which Solar Alliance will lead efforts to “identify and develop” new residential solar projects in various states in the northeast for Crius, and partner with the latter to install systems in those regions.
Solar Alliance will initially focus on Crius’ existing customer base in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
“This agreement with Crius Solar is a perfect fit and will accelerate our expansion plans in the northeast US and through the rest of California,” said Solar Alliance chairman and CEO Jason Bak.
Campbell’s Soup HQ gets 4.4MW solar array
17 May: Campbell Soup Company announced BNB Renewable Energy Holdings has broken ground on a 4.4MW solar power project at the company’s headquarters in Camden, New Jersey.
The project is under a 20-year PPA and is scheduled to come online in autumn. Upon completion, it will be the largest solar array in Camden.
It is being financed through Public Service Electric & Gas Co.’s solar loan programme.
The array will feature SunPower rooftop, carport and ground-mount solar equipment, with 2.7MW on the rooftops of existing structures and on new solar canopies, and an additional 1.7MW on 0.7 hectares of land.
Campbell previously opened a 9.8MW solar system at a plant in Ohio, and a 1MW system in Conneticut. Both of those projects were also developed by BNP and SunPower.
