Bank of America launches initiative to install solar panels across its operations: “Six Bank of America financial centers (in California, Florida and Pennsylvania) and two office locations (in Nevada and North Carolina) have already benefited from the energy savings and low-carbon enhancement of solar power. This year, the bank plans to install solar panels at 15 financial centers and on 10 ATMs. Over the next three years, the company is expected to add more than 60 solar installations across its operations. The bank expects to directly use all of the renewable electricity it generates on site from these solar installations for its operations.” Source – Bank of America

GMP and Renewable Energy Vermont agree on solar charge, but who will pay it? – Green Mountain Power and Renewable Energy Vermont have come to terms on a $37/kW fee on new projects in areas that currently need upgrades or will need them in the future if more solar comes online. If approved by the state’s utility regulator, it will officially become live. There’s only one issue: who’s going to pay for it? Does it fall on everyday ratepayers? This article by VT Digger explores. Source: VT Digger

Gillibrand backs New York carbon plan – Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has come out in strong support of the Climate and Community Protection Act, an act which is on a ticking clock to get passed before this year’s legislative session ends. “”Completing negotiations to improve the Climate and Community Protection Act and enact it into law will put New York State on the path to eliminating carbon emissions while creating thousands of good paying jobs in every corner of our state. New York can be a model for the nation, and there is no time to waste any if we are going to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.” Wrote Gillibrand in a letter to state lawmakers. Source: Politico

Fellowship Energy wins DOE award – Fellowship Energy has won the Best Nonprofit Program in the Solar in Your Community Challenge, part of a $5 million competition from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Technologies Office that aims to expand access to solar electricity. Fellowship Energy won this recognition and a cash award for its innovative finance solution that allows faith-based communities and other nonprofits to go solar without upfront costs… Specifically, the team developed a standardized financial solution for 16 solar projects, the first two being St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church & Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, Virginia. The organizations were able to finance their solar projects using a Power Purchase Agreement guaranteed by the Episcopal Church Building Fund. Source: Fellowship Energy

Idaho Power seeking to cut back net metering – Check out this op-ed by Ben Otto energy associate of the nonprofit Idaho Conservation League on the attempts by Idaho Power to cut back net metering benefits in Idaho. The article was originally published in mtexpress. Source: mtexpress

Lots of talk about US supply of modules being tight, as well second half upward price pressure on modules due to an expansion of Chinese demand (coming from the manufacturers of course – just like it does every spring) – but for now: price stability.

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