Utilities credit customers, developers, state for solar growth
April 22, 2013 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) recently released its Utility Solar Rankings report, identifying national leaders in solar energy development. "In 2012 new installations resulted in almost 1,500 megawatts of additional new solar connected to the grid, a doubling in new solar capacity from two years ago," said Julia Hamm, president and CEO of SEPA. "Both the number of systems and the amount of new capacity make solar electricity the fastest growing electric source in the U.S. in 2012." It is the first time that NV Energy has made the solar top 10 for the first time -- and with good reason. According to NV Energy President and CEO Michael Yackira, 2012 marked the company's highest growth year in its 25-year renewable energy history. Two Arizona utilities, Arizona Public Service (APS) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) both made the top 10. More than half of the solar power growth in APS service territory in 2012 came from individual customers who installed solar panels on their homes and businesses. "With two utilities in the national top ten, Arizona is a clear leader in the development of solar power," said Don Brandt, APS Chairman and CEO. "This accomplishment would not be possible without strong leadership from Governor Jan Brewer, the members of the Arizona Corporation Commission, and the many local leaders throughout our state who are encouraging new solar projects in their communities." Brandt further credited companies like AMEC and First Solar for their innovative approach to solar. "These projects don't build themselves," said Brandt. "On every project, we are partnering with experienced designers and contractors who are getting these new solar plants built on time and on budget." Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) made the top three for the fourth year in a row. "The fact that we have been in the top three of the SEPA rankings for four consecutive years shows that New Jersey businesses and homeowners continue to support clean energy solutions," said Joe Forline, PSE&G's vice president of customer solutions. "Thanks to smart public policy and programs like our Solar 4 All and Solar Loan initiatives, New Jersey remains a center for solar power." Solar 4 All will put 80 MW of solar power in service by mid-2013 using both large-scale centralized solar installations and pole-attached solar units. By taking advantage of previously untapped resources -- space on utility poles, unused brownfields and landfills and flattop roofs -- PSE&G is adding a considerable amount of solar capacity while preserving New Jersey's open space. The Solar Loan program is making $247 million in financing available for qualified residential and commercial solar projects in PSE&G's electric service territory. The loan program helps to remove the financial barriers to solar installations by providing a ready source of financing for about 50 percent of the project cost and allows customers to use the solar credits (SRECs) that the solar systems generate to repay the loan. At the end of last year, the PSE&G Solar Loan had financed 67 MW of solar capacity in New Jersey -- representing $209 million in investment. "Aside from solar's well-recognized environmental benefits, it is also providing economic benefits," Forline said. "PSE&G's programs alone have created more than 1,000 direct jobs and our Solar 4 All program has provided 11 New Jersey-based companies with more than $300 million worth of work." For more: © 2013 FierceMarkets. All rights reserved. http://www.fierceenergy.com |