Insights from our Editorial Team

  • Two blade plants cut staff
    Oct 14, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    Vestas Wind Systems has cut staff at two Colorado blade factories, citing low demand for new wind equipment in 2013 as the federal production tax credit expires at the end of the year.

  • Final decision due next month
    Oct 11, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    Tariffs on Chinese solar panels were upheld by the Obama administration’s Commerce Department on Oct. 10 as disputes between the United States and China over renewable energy manufacturing heat up.

    Comments: 1
  • Developer will be able to commission projects without delay
    Oct 10, 2012 | Staff Writer

    The Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) has played a key role in the recent decision by MidAmerican Wind to purchase two projects located in California’s wind-rich Tehachapi region, making way for the projects to be placed into service in 2013.

  • Registration statement filed with SEC
    Oct 09, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    SolarCity Corp. said it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The distributed solar energy company hopes to raise $201.3m in its proposed initial public offering of its common stock, which was filed on Oct. 5.

  • Energy strategy sees renewables goals falling short
    Oct 08, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    Connecticut already has renewable portfolio standard (RPS) of 20% and may seek to increase it. But to do that may require the inclusion of hydropower from Canada to meet that goal, an energy source not currently qualified as renewable under existing rules.

    Comments: 1
  • Initial conditions set for 500-MW solar thermal project
    Oct 07, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    The California Energy Commission staff has given its early assessment of a large solar thermal plant and has recommended a series of measures to pass environmental and other regulations.

  • Decision expected Nov. 7
    Oct 04, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    Factions of the U.S. solar industry faced off before the International Trade Commission on Oct. 3 for the last time as a series of decisions on tariffs on  Chinese solar cells are pending.

  • Chinese-owned company was ordered to divest sites
    Oct 03, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    The owners of a company seeking to build four wind farms in Oregon have sued President Obama after they were ordered to sell their sites for unspecified national security reasons.

    Comments: 1
  • Annual pre-election survey shows 90% favorability
    Oct 02, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    More than 90% of voters believe solar energy is important for the United States, according to a new survey done for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The annual survey also shows that majorities support federal subsidies and other policies for clean energy sources.

  • Oregon projects considered too close to naval airspace
    Oct 01, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    The Obama administration on Sept. 28 ordered companies controlled by Chinese national to divest themselves of four Oregon wind projects acquired earlier this year, deeming them too close to restricted airspace near a naval training facility.

    Comments: 2