Builders Offering Solar as a Standard Option

Are Solar Panels the Next Granite Countertop for Builders?

Justin Doom, Bloomberg

September 12, 2013

NEW YORK CITY — Solar panels are the next granite countertops: an amenity for new homes that’s becoming a standard option for buyers in U.S. markets.

At least six of 10 largest U.S. homebuilders led by KB Home include the photovoltaic devices in new construction, according to supplier SunPower Corp. Two California towns are mandating installations, and demand for the systems that generate electricity at home will jump 56 percent nationwide this year, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.“In the next six months, homebuilders in California and the expensive-energy states will be going solar as a standard, and just incorporating it into the cost of the house like any other feature,” Jim Petersen, chief executive officer of the PetersenDean Inc., the largest closely held U.S. roofing and solar contractor, said in an interview.

See below for full article at:  RenewableEnergyWorld.com

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/09/are-solar-panels-the-next-granite-countertop-for-homebuilders

AZ one of Top 12 Solar States

New Report Ranks Top 12 States Leading the U.S. in Solar Power

Rob Sargent,

Environment America

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Washington, D.C. – Today, Environment America Research & Policy Center released Lighting the Way: What We Can Learn from America’s Top 12 Solar States, a new report highlighting a solar energy boom across the country. The top 12 solar states ranked by per capita solar are: Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii New Jersey, New Mexico, California, Delaware, Colorado, Vermont, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Maryland.

“The sky’s the limit on solar energy,” said Rob Sargent, energy program director with Environment America. “The progress of these states should give us the confidence that we can do much more. Being a leader in pollution-free solar energy means setting big goals and backing them up with good policies.”

See below for the full report from Environment America Research & Policy Center:

http://www.environmentamerica.org/news/ame/new-report-ranks-top-12-states-leading-us-solar-power

 

 

Six New Tuition Assistance Programs for New eRenewable Resource Institute Solar Students

Arizonians looking to break into the renewable energy industry now have new tuition help options thanks to; Arizona Workforce Connection, Department of Economic Security Workforce Connection for Veterans, Central Arizona Association of Governments, Arizona Women’s Education & Employment, Northern Arizona Council of Government and Goodwill of Central Arizona’s recent approval of eRenewable Resource Institute as a supplier of renewable energy education. In many cases the new supplier approval status provides qualified candidates with up to 100% tuition assistance for eRenewable’s Photovoltaic Installer Program and Photovoltaic System Design Program.

“Renewable energy careers in Arizona continue to grow to date; many of our graduates looking for experience have found it. The new supplier status will help more individuals take advantage of the nationally recognized training right here in Arizona,” said Renewable Resource Group founder and CEO, Donna Marie Bertault. All eRenewable Resource Institute entry and advanced level solar installation classes focus on residential and commercial solar design, installation and compliance through Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ) curriculum, hands-on working labs and seasoned solar professionals. eRenewable Resource Institute helps potential students tap into both tuition aid and career assistance at no additional cost to the student. Enrollment is currently underway for the next five-day PV 100 Beginning Solar Installation and Design class which begins March 21st. Potential students are encouraged to learn more by visiting www.erenewableresource.com.

eRenewable Resource Institute headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Post-secondary Education and ISPQ* accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. eRenewable Resource Institute is a renewable energy school and a NABCEP approved provider for the NABCEP Entry Level exam.

by:Dee Ann Deaton