Court Challenge to the PSC on New Solar Fees
A lawsuit challenging the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) December 2014 decision to impose new fees on We energies customers that generate their own solar energy was filed January 22, 2015. The utility framed the solar charge to the PSC as a fairness issue contending that nonsolar customers subsidize customers with solar installations. The appeal challenges the lack of supporting evidence for that claim and thus, for the new charges and for discrimination against solar and low usage customers. RENEW Wisconsin, a nonprofit renewable energy advocacy and education organization based in Madison, and The Alliance for Solar Choice – a national rooftop solar advocacy group founded by large rooftop solar companies, filed the appeal in Dane County Circuit Court. To read more JS; to hear both sides, listen to a UW-Extension webinar, for background articles read here and here.

Tax Time – File for Solar Investment Tax Credit
Homeowners and businesses who purchased a rooftop solar electric or solar hot water system in 2014 or, businesses that provided a system through a lease to a third party, can reduce their taxes by 30 percent of the total cost of their system through the Federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Solar systems financed through PACE programs like in Milwaukee, are eligible as well. Total cost includes the system, installation and related work like wiring and related roofing modifications. There is no cap. Use IRS Form #5695. For those homeowners considering a solar installation, the solar credit is available through 2016 only. The solar ITC goes down to 10 percent for businesses in 2017. Gather your invoices, add them up, and check with your installer and tax preparer for more specific assistance.

Going Solar in America: Solar is Cheaper than the Grid in 42 Cities
“…in 46 of America’s 50 largest cities, a fully-financed, typically-sized solar PV system (5kW) is a better investment than the stock market, and in 42 of these cities, the same system already costs less than energy from a residential customer’s local utility” according to an analysis by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center of NC State. Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Chicago are among the cities. The Going Solar in America study, supported by a USDOE SunShot grant, ICLEI and International City/County Management Association (ICMA), reports that, “of the single-family homeowners in America’s 50 largest cities, …9.1 million already live in a city where solar costs less than their current utility rates if they bought a PV system outright – and nearly 21 million (93% of all estimated single-family homeowners in those cities) do if low-cost financing is available”. Considering forecasts by the US Energy Information Administration, that utility rates will rise between 33%-83% over the 25-year typical life of a solar PV system, the study’s conclusion is that average homeowners can save monthly and enjoy long-term investment value by installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Also, see Utility Dive

Cities Powered by 100% Renewable Energy
Municipalities across the US are working to generate all of their electricity from renewable energy. Burlington, Vermont (pop. 42,284) is powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The city achieved this after recently purchasing a 7.4 MW hydroelectric facility in September 2014. Burlington generates approximately 20 percent of its electricity from wind and solar, 33 percent from woody biomass waste, and about 45 percent from hydropower. Burlington’s efforts coincide with Vermont’s overall goal of generating 90 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050. For more information on Burlington, VT
 
Two other municipalities are fully powered by renewable energy, Scituate, MA (pop. 17,863) and Greensburg, KS (pop. 785). A 3 MW solar array and a 1.5 MW wind turbine have powered Scituate since 2013. In Greensburg, a 12.5 MW wind farm more than powers the city that was rebuilt for resiliency after tornado decimation. All buildings are LEED platinum that use 40 percent less energy than a code building. Aspen, Colorado is currently at 86 percent local renewable energy with a goal to be 100 percent renewable powered by the end of 2015. For more information on Scituate, MA, Greensburg, KS, and Aspen, CO

United States Leads World in Wind Energy Production
The United States produces more wind energy than any other country, leading China, Spain, and Germany. Although China leads the U.S. in installed wind capacity with over 90,000 MW, compared to 60,000 MW in the U.S., the U.S. generated 167 billion kWh of electricity or greater than 20 percent more wind energy than China. For more information

Super Bowl XLIX Powered by Clean and Efficient Energy
Super Bowl XLIX, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, was powered by 100% renewable energy and was the first Super Bowl to be played under LED lights. Although University of Phoenix Stadium does not have any on-site solar or wind power resources, local utility Salt River Project (SRP) purchased renewable energy credits from wind farms equal to the estimated $300,000 in electricity demand generated by all Super Bowl events. The stadium also replaced the original lighting system with 312 LED fixtures, which reduced the overall lighting energy consumption by 75 percent. Additionally, the teams that played in the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, rank fifth and sixth in installed solar capacity among all sports franchises. For more information