Expiring U.S. solar subsidy spurs rush for panels

America’s biggest solar power developers are stockpiling panels to lock in a 30% federal tax credit set to start phasing out next year, a strategy that could backfire if projects do not materialize or panel prices slide substantially. Duke Energy, 8minute Solar Energy and Shell-backed Silicon Ranch are among those working to claim the full subsidy, which is available to firms that either start construction or spend 5% of a project’s capital cost by the end of 2019. Consumers who purchase residential solar this year are eligible for the full tax credit, but the rules that allow the subsidy to be locked in now for systems installed much later apply only to companies. North Carolina-based Duke, for example, plans to claim the maximum credit on as much as 2 gigawatts worth of panels. That is enough to power 380,000 homes, even though some of those projects might not go online for years. Clean-energy mandates in many states and a push by companies to go green have given Duke confidence it can recoup its investment, said Chris Fallon, vice president of the company’s renewable energy arm.

Spotlight

WATT Renewable Corporation

Headquarted in Calgary, Alberta (Canada), WATT Renewable "WATT" is a private company incorporated under the laws of Canada. WATT Renewable focuses on sustainable development in frontier economies around the world. As an independent power producer; the objective of WATT is to provide electricity to residential homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship, community centers, market squares, and all other locations where electricity would be needed. The company's goal is to design, build, own, and operate (DBOOM) renewable energy (RE) projects through solar, wind, and biomass generation.

OTHER ARTICLES
Solar+Storage, Strategy and Best Practices

The Future of Renewable Energy

Article | September 17, 2022

Renewable energy is the energy generated from natural resources on Earth that are neither limited or exhaustible, such as wind and sun. Thus, renewable energy is an alternative to conventional energy based on fossil fuels and is generally less harmful to the environment. Some Sources of Renewable Energy Solar: Solar energy is created by capturing sunlight's radiant energy and turning it into heat, electricity, or hot water. Photovoltaic (PV) systems utilize solar cells to convert direct sunlight into energy. The significant advantage of solar energy is that it is functionally infinite. There is an infinite supply of solar energy with the technology to harvest it, making fossil fuels obsolete. Using solar energy instead of fossil fuels can also help improve public health and environmental conditions. In addition, solar energy has the potential to eliminate energy expenses in the long run, as well as decrease your energy bills in the short term. Many government, state, and local governments also provide rebates or tax credits to encourage investment in solar energy. To know more about Solar Energy, click here. Although solar energy can save you money in the long term, it has a high upfront cost out of reach for most households. In addition, for personal houses, homeowners should also have enough sunlight and space to install their solar panels, restricting who can realistically adopt this technology on an individual level. Wind: Wind farms use turbines to generate wind energy and convert it to electricity. There are many types of systems used to convert wind energy, and each one is unique. Commercial-grade wind-powered generating systems can power a wide range of organizations, while single-wind turbines are utilized to complement current energy organizations. Utility-scale wind farms, which are purchased on a contract or wholesale basis, are another option. Wind energy is technically a kind of solar energy. Wind is caused by temperature variations in the atmosphere and the rotation of the Earth, and the geography of the planet. Wind energy is a clean energy source, which means it does not damage the environment in the same way other types of energy do. Wind energy does not emit carbon dioxide or any other hazardous pollutants that can degrade the environment or damage human health, such as smog, acid rain, or other heat-trapping gases. Investment in wind energy technology can also lead to new employment opportunities and job training, as farm turbines should be serviced and maintained to remain operational. Wind farms are often constructed in rural or isolated locations, far from busy towns where electricity is most required. Wind energy must be transmitted through transition lines, which raises the cost. Even though wind turbines produce relatively little pollution, some cities are opposed to them because they dominate skylines and create noise. In addition, wind turbines can pose a danger to nearby animals, such as birds, who are occasionally killed when they collide with the turbine's arms while flying. Hydroelectric: When it comes to hydroelectric power, most people think of dams. Pumped-storage hydropower is the process through which water flows through the turbines of a dam to generate energy. Run-of-river hydropower utilizes a canal to funnel water through rather than a dam to power it. Hydroelectric power is very flexible since it can be generated utilizing both large-scale projects such as the Hoover Dam and small-scale projects such as underwater turbines and lower dams on rivers and streams. In addition, because hydroelectric power does not emit pollutants, it is a far more ecologically beneficial energy source for our environment. The majority of hydroelectric power plants use more energy than they generate. To pump water, the storage systems may need to utilize fossil fuels. Although hydroelectric power does not contaminate the air, it disrupts rivers. It harms the animals that dwell in them by changing water levels, currents, and migratory routes for many fish and other freshwater ecosystems. Geothermal: Geothermal heat is heat trapped under the Earth's crust due to the Earth's creation 4.5 billion years ago and radioactive decay. Large quantities of this heat can sometimes escape spontaneously, but only all at once, resulting in well-known phenomena like volcanic explosions and geysers. This heat can be collected and utilized to generate geothermal energy by utilizing steam generated by heated water pumping under the surface, which rises to the surface and can power a turbine. Geothermal energy is not as common as other forms of renewable energy, but it has considerable energy supply potential. In addition, it has a little environmental impact because it can be constructed underground. As geothermal energy is replenished naturally, it is not in danger of depletion. When it comes to the drawbacks of geothermal energy, the cost is a significant issue. Not only is the infrastructure expensive to construct, but it is also vulnerable to earthquakes in some parts of the world. Is renewable energy capable of powering the future? Renewable energy technologies already account for approximately 26% of total global power, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that this will rise to 30% by 2024. According to the IEA, by 2024, the world's renewable energy capacity will have increased by 1,200 GW, which is equivalent to the capacity of the whole United States. Expert analysis indicates that a completely sustainable energy system can be achieved worldwide over the next 30 years; the difficult part is persuading countries to change their ways. What is the significance of renewable energy in the future? There are many reasons why renewable energy is critical for the future, particularly given the negative impact that fossil fuels have on our world. This includes, among other things, air and water pollution, habitat and wildlife loss, and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Here are a few examples of why renewable energy is so important: Lowers air pollution: By lowering air pollution, renewable energy may help improve people's health worldwide. Air pollution is a significant environmental problem, particularly in metropolitan areas and developing countries, and the World Health Organization estimates that 7 million people die prematurely due to inhaling contaminated air each year. Lowers the danger of floods and droughts: Using renewable energy can also lower the risk of floods and droughts throughout the world. For example, many gallons of water are required to operate power plants that burn fossil fuels, leading to droughts in many low-rainfall nations. In contrast, climate change induced by the combustion of fossil fuels produces greater rainfall in other areas, resulting in catastrophic floods. Promotes local economies: The development of renewable energy technologies also contributes to creating new employment and financing for local economies. As a result, more employment in renewable energy is being generated every day, and they are only expected to grow more secure as technology advances. Lower long-term costs: Clean energy sources are becoming more appealing investment possibilities than fossil fuels. With the growing popularity of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, investment is low risk, even with hefty initial installation costs. They can effectively generate electricity "for free" for decades after installation. A future powered by renewable energy will result in a more sustainable environment and help many local economies in ways that fossil fuels cannot. What is the best future renewable energy source? Solar energy and wind power, together with hydropower, are considered the greatest renewable energy sources for powering our future planet. They are the cleanest renewable resources and are ideal for household, industrial, and national grid uses. They can offer limitless quantities of clean energy to the world, but they can also boost local economies. Wind power technology has already resulted in a significant rise in employment and helps to put money back into local communities, with additional jobs being generated with each installation. Solar energy can benefit everyone who has sufficient space for PV panels, and it is much less intrusive than wind turbines. And, although initial installation prices can be high, they will start to fall as solar becomes more common. Is it possible for the world to survive on 100% renewable energy in the future? The world may survive on 100% renewable energy in the future, but this will not be without challenges. To read more about the challenges in renewable energy click here. Each nation will have to go through its transition phase, which will be relatively simple for some and more difficult for others. Others may be hesitant even to begin the transition if their economy is highly dependent on fossil fuels. The world's future can be unpredictable, and it's impossible to tell if it's possible to live completely on renewable energy. Still, we can help make the planet a better place by switching our homes' electricity to renewable energy. In the future, how efficient will renewable energy be? Renewable energy efficiency is determined by how much energy can be generated in a given period and how much it costs to generate this energy. Despite the fact that all renewable energy technologies have high initial costs, the costs of generating energy are considerably lower than the costs of obtaining fossil fuels. With the continuous advancement of renewable energy technology, this efficiency will only increase, bringing us closer to a bright future for renewable energy. What are the future benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy? Benefits: Renewable energy technologies have an infinite supply — as long as we have the sun, wind, water, and natural heat, we have renewable energy technologies. Reduced global warming impacts, such as floods, severe storms, droughts, and other extreme weather conditions. Fewer air contaminants, which lead to improved respiratory health. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions result in a more stable climate. More employment for local areas. More robust supply, which assists in the elimination of power outages. Enhanced accessibility. Lower energy costs, particularly with renewable energy prices falling. Drawbacks: Expensive initial installation costs. Intermittent - depending on the renewable energy source, they will not provide electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Solar energy, for example, cannot be produced at night, and wind is not always powerful enough to spin a turbine. More advancements in storage solutions are required - renewable energy storage can be costly, but this is expected to improve as technology advances. Geographical constraints - some areas will be more suited to renewable energy sources than others. What factors will influence the future of renewable energy? The environmental advantages and the cost of transition are the two most important factors determining the future of renewable energy. The benefits of renewable energy sources often exceed the drawbacks, yet the high initial costs frequently discourage people from investing. Luckily, as environmental problems become more generally recognized, renewable energy prices, including installation costs, are falling, providing greater incentive to switch to renewable energy sources. So, what does the future of renewable energy hold? Renewable energy is expected to grow in popularity over the next decade, attempting to minimize the impacts of climate change. This may take some time, but we will have to switch to renewable energy to fight against climate change and protect our environment. FAQ Why is renewable energy the future? Alternative energy sources emit much less Carbon dioxide than natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels. Switching to renewable energy sources for electricity production will benefit the environment by delaying and reversing climate change. Is renewable energy a good investment for business? There are many benefits to investing in renewable energy sources for businesses, including increased marketing possibilities, fewer emissions, cheaper energy costs, and many more. Businesses must lead the way in becoming more sustainable by expanding their usage of renewable energy. What is the best renewable energy source for the future? Solar energy and wind power, together with hydropower, are considered the greatest renewable energy sources for powering our future planet. They are the cleanest renewable resources and are ideal for household, industrial, and national grid uses. They can offer limitless quantities of clean energy to the world, but they can also boost local economies. Wind power technology has already resulted in a significant rise in employment and helps to put money back into local communities, with additional jobs being generated with each installation. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is renewable energy the future?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Alternative energy sources emit much less Carbon dioxide than natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels. Switching to renewable energy sources for electricity production will benefit the environment by delaying and reversing climate change." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Is renewable energy a good investment for business?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are many benefits to investing in renewable energy sources for businesses, including increased marketing possibilities, fewer emissions, cheaper energy costs, and many more. Businesses must lead the way in becoming more sustainable by expanding their usage of renewable energy." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the best renewable energy source for the future?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Solar energy and wind power, together with hydropower, are considered the greatest renewable energy sources for powering our future planet. They are the cleanest renewable resources and are ideal for household, industrial, and national grid uses. They can offer limitless quantities of clean energy to the world, but they can also boost local economies. Wind power technology has already resulted in a significant rise in employment and helps to put money back into local communities, with additional jobs being generated with each installation." } }] }

Read More
Solar+Storage

Sustainable Future with Solar: Key Solar Power Events for 2023

Article | June 14, 2022

Discover top events shaping the future of solar power. These solar conventions and events in 2023 bring together experts and industry leaders to explore groundbreaking technologies and foster collaboration. In an era marked by environmental concerns and the urgent need to transition towards sustainable energy sources, the global focus on solar power has never been more critical. As the global community endeavors to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, the significance of exploring innovative solutions and fostering knowledge exchange in this field becomes increasingly apparent. Attending top solar events dedicated to solar power and renewable energy is an exceptional opportunity for professionals, researchers, policymakers, and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the latest advancements, industry trends, and groundbreaking technologies. This article delves into some of the top solar events that are a must-attend for anyone passionate about solar power and renewable energy. These events serve as hubs of inspiration, collaboration, and education, driving the renewable energy sector forward and shaping a sustainable future for generations to come. 1.Global Energy Show Exhibition & Conference June 11 - 13, 2024 | Calgary (Canada) The Global Energy Show is a leading B2B exhibition and conference that brings together industry buyers, sellers, stakeholders, partners, CEOs, and young professionals to foster knowledge sharing and fuel innovation in the ever-changing energy landscape. This event will serve as an inclusive platform encompassing all energy systems, providing features on the exhibition floor and conference sessions dedicated to oil sands, hydrogen, wind, solar, petrochemicals, gas and LNG, electrification, and nuclear energy. This inclusive approach will ensure that attendees gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in the global energy sector. The event's comprehensive program tackles various topics, including meeting energy demand, navigating the energy transition, showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovation, and exploring the role of various energy sources within the broader energy system. By attending the Global Energy Show in 2024, energy professionals can play an active role in leading the path toward sustainably meeting energy demands. 2.ES 2023 (17th International Conference on Energy Sustainability) July 10 - 12, 2023 | Washington D.C. (USA) The ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Energy Sustainability Conference serves as a focal point for identifying innovative technologies, research advancements, and design solutions that contribute to developing renewable and sustainable energy systems. The conference will focus on various topics, including utility-level systems integration, aiming to create a path toward a more sustainable energy future. Participating researchers will have the opportunity to present their high-quality papers, which will be considered for selection in a special issue dedicated to Energy Sustainability by the ASME Journal of Energy Resources Technology (JERT) and ASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities. This ensures that groundbreaking research and design advancements receive recognition and dissemination in esteemed publications. ES2023 will feature keynote and plenary speakers, as well as panelists from national labs, the Department of Energy, and renowned researchers from universities worldwide. These experts will bring invaluable insights and perspectives to the conference, fostering knowledge exchange and inspiring collaboration among attendees. 3.IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting 2023 July 16 - 20, 2023 | Orlando (Florida) The IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) General Meeting (GM) stands as the premier annual event in the power and electrical engineering field, dedicated to meeting the energy needs of a dynamic world. This highly anticipated gathering will bring together over 3000 leading PES members, power and electrical engineers, prominent academics, and engineering students from around the globe. With a rich history dating back to 1964, when IEEE PES held separate winter and summer meetings, the GM has evolved into a single consolidated event since 2003. It has been a vital platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among professionals in the field. By hosting the GM, IEEE PES aims to create an international forum that promotes networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among experts in the field. The event will serve as a platform to discuss vital issues, explore progressive developments, and address the challenges and opportunities in electrical and power engineering. 4.Global Summit and Expo on Sustainable and Renewable Energy (GSESRE2023) August 28 - 30, 2023, | London (UK) The 2nd Global Summit and Expo on Sustainable and Renewable Energy (GSESRE2023) aims to bring together renowned researchers, scientists, and scholars from around the world to foster knowledge exchange, present cutting-edge research works, and engage in discussions on the latest topics in the field of sustainable and renewable energy. This 3-day summit will gather key players in the sustainable and renewable energy community and related sectors. It strives to establish itself as a leading event, attracting global participants passionate about sharing, exchanging, and exploring new avenues in Sustainable and Renewable Energy-related scientific and commercial developments. GSESRE2023 features a comprehensive scientific program designed to cover a wide range of topics in Sustainable and Renewable Energy. Attending the summit will gives participants a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge and stay at the forefront of interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable and renewable energy. The summit not will only offer a platform for learning but also provide invaluable networking opportunities. 5.SEST 2023 (6th International Conference on Smart Energy Systems and Technologies) September 4 - 6, 2023 | Mugla (Turkey) Governments worldwide are investing substantially in smart energy systems and technologies (SEST) to optimize energy utilization, enhance planning for outage responses and recovery, and foster seamless integration of diverse technologies such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicle networks, and smart homes within the power grid. The SEST conference is a premier event that endeavors to address the engineering complexities associated with designing and operating smart energy systems. At the SEST Conference, the primary objective is to facilitate in-depth discussions on advanced methodologies and best practices for developing various components of smart energy systems and ensuring their seamless integration within the grid infrastructure. This conference will serve as a vital platform for researchers, academics, industry professionals, and government regulators to collectively tackle the challenges faced in this domain. It will foster an environment conducive to sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and exploring innovative approaches to design and implement smart energy systems. 6.2023 7th International Conference on Renewable Energy and Environment (ICREE 2023) September 22 - 24, 2023 | Eskisehir Technical University, Turkey The 7th International Conference on Renewable Energy and Environment (ICREE 2023) is an eagerly anticipated event taking place in Eskisehir, Turkey. As a workshop of the ICPSE 2023 conference, ICREE 2023 provides an excellent platform for researchers and developers to come together and share their experiences, ideas, and research findings across various fields related to renewable energy and the environment. ICREE 2023 welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, fostering a collaborative environment where students, postdoctoral researchers, and established scientists can engage in fruitful discussions and contribute to an integrative approach for addressing the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The conference will encompass an extensive range of topics, focusing on key areas such as photovoltaic technology, PV manufacturing, PV for rural development, solar thermal electricity, wind energy applications, hydropower applications, and more. Through research talks and presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to showcase their work, share insights, and gain valuable feedback from their peers. 7.Renewable and Sustainable Energy (RENEWABLEENG 2023) September 25 - 27, 2023 | Barcelona (Spain) The International Conference on Renewable and Sustainable Energy (RENEWABLEENG 2023) is a prestigious event that brings together a diverse range of participants, including academia, government laboratories, industry professionals, business entrepreneurs, and specialists from around the globe. This conference will offer an exciting environment to share the latest findings, exchange ideas, and establish strategic alliances, all with the shared goal of securing a clean and sustainable environment. RENEWABLEENG 2023 focuses on addressing the current challenges associated with climate change, emphasizing the quest for sustainable development goals and the transition to a low-carbon future, in line with the objectives set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference will serve as a platform for identifying pressing issues and generating viable solutions to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world. Moreover, RENEWABLEENG 2023 will operate in a hybrid format to ensure inclusivity, allowing remote attendees to participate via Zoom. 8.Renewable Energy Markets (REM) 2023 September 18-20, 2023 | Washington D.C. (USA) The annual Renewable Energy Markets conference serves as a gathering point for a diverse range of industry professionals driving the rapid transformation of the global clean energy marketplace. With a history spanning over 25 years, Renewable Energy Markets has earned a reputation as the premier conference series for professionals working in the clean energy sector. Thousands of renewable energy experts rely on REM conferences to equip them with the necessary tools to excel in the expanding retail renewable market. REM brings together corporate leaders, policymakers, and suppliers, fostering collaboration and providing guidance in navigating the dynamic and rapidly expanding renewable energy market. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore emerging trends in policy, exchange best practices in renewable energy procurement and marketing, review the latest technological advancements, and collectively shape the future of renewable energy. Organized by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions and co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Renewable Energy Markets offers a highly respected platform that will facilitate knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among industry professionals. 9.5th International Conference on Renewable Energy, Resources and Sustainable Technologies (EnergyTech 2023) November 13 - 14, 2023 | Paris (France) The 5th International Conference on Renewable Energy, Resources & Sustainable Technologies (EnergyTech 2023) is a highly anticipated two-day event that brings together academics, researchers, professionals, administrators, educational leaders, industry representatives, and business leaders. It serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, discussion, and networking among experts in the field. The conference will feature an array of engaging activities, including keynote speakers, presentations, oral talks, poster presentations, and an exhibition. The theme of EnergyTech 2023, 'Accelerating the Advancements in Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth,' will set the stage for in-depth discussions and exploration of various topics. Renewable energy, with its diverse range of resources, taking center stage, covering areas such as REN21, solar energy, bioenergy, ocean thermal energy conversion, 100% renewable energy, sustainable technologies, developments, advanced technology, and more. Participants can delve into advanced details and engage in interactive sessions that foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. The conference will offer a comprehensive program that addresses critical aspects of renewable energy, aiming to accelerate advancements in the field and drive sustainable growth. 10.Energy Trends 2023 (European Congress on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development) November 16 - 17, 2023 | Rome (Italy) Energy Trends 2023 is a peer-reviewed European Congress on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development. This prestigious event serves as a platform for researchers, professors, scientists, business delegates, entrepreneurs, practitioners, managers, and students from around the world to come together and strengthen their professional networks for the advancement of a sustainable future. The conference is dedicated to the theme of Developing and Securing Energy Technologies for a Sustainable Future. It aims to provide advanced, eco-friendly energy solutions that offer a competitive advantage and cost savings in various industrial and business sectors. Energy Trends 2023 will facilitate lively engagement and knowledge sharing among industry leaders and experts by focusing on cutting-edge presentations, special panel discussions, and interactive sessions. The conference will provide a platform to share new and exciting research findings and results. This exchange of knowledge and expertise contribute to the continuous development of renewable energy solutions and fosters the achievement of a sustainable future worldwide. Key Takeaways As the world increasingly recognizes the urgent need for sustainable and renewable energy solutions, attending top solar power conventions and events becomes crucial for professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. These solar events will serve as catalysts for innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, driving the advancement of solar power and renewable energy. By attending these top solar conventions and events in 2023, individuals can stay at the forefront of solar power and renewable energy developments, gain valuable insights, forge meaningful connections, and contribute to a sustainable future. These events offer unparalleled opportunities to engage with the brightest minds, discover groundbreaking technologies, and collaborate toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. Attending these top solar power events is not just an investment in personal and professional growth but also a commitment to driving the renewable energy revolution forward.

Read More
Strategy and Best Practices

Outdated perceptions: how energy attitudes are damaging customer wallets

Article | July 8, 2022

Despite rising energy costs and dwindling customer ratings of the ‘Big Six’, over 37% of Brits still believe they are getting a good deal when it comes to gas and electricity. Here, Keith Bastian, CEO of rising independent Outfox the Market, challenges those age-old perceptions that are damaging consumer bank balances… I have never quite understood the notion of pay more for the same service. Except that last part, is really where the difference lies. As I have made my way through the energy market, it seems clear to me that we are facing a common notion. Age-old dinosaurs, that have relied on name status and brand power to retain customer loyalty, despite not providing anything different or any value-added service, give the impression that customers are somehow safer with them. That is the biggest misconception. We at Outfox the Market would like to challenge that. Of course, when I speak in such a way, I am referring to the ‘Big Six’, those long-established brands whose share in the energy market whilst substantial, is increasingly coming at the cost to its customers. For example, in the latest independent customer rankings from Which, it was determined that the traditional big energy companies had some of the lowest scores for customer service and value for money, yet some customers still feel secure with them. On the contrary, rising independents, such as ourselves, were scoring highly in these areas and this is where I feel the difference lies. Regardless of your opinion on fossil fuels and/or renewables, it is more the value of looking after your customers, understanding their concerns and dealing with them efficiently that has become somewhat lost for the ‘Big Six’. It is true that they have a larger proportion of customers to serve with a larger workforce, but that should not be to the detriment to the service they provide. What were are seeing now, as evidenced by the recent Ofgem price hikes, is the ‘Big Six’ once again failing consumers in these areas, with most of the top names putting costs up by £96 a year on average as of April. I am not one to not acknowledge that energy firms are tongue-tied in some respects in passing regulated costs on; there are times when we must. However, customers could also benefit from a little research. Even with growing numbers of consumers switching, nearly 60% of all households in the UK are still on standard variable rate tariffs, those that are subject to the incoming Ofgem hikes. So, the real question is why aren’t more customers switching? Heritage, loyalty and brand association. These facets really should not come at cost of paying more for energy. I really believe it is down to time-sensitivity and a misunderstanding around the barriers to switching, with cost somewhere in the middle. According to MoneySuperMarket, 75% of us would switch if we could save £149.99. A hefty figure, but why not the £96 highlighted earlier? That is still pretty good, and something that would add up nicely over the years. I understand we are time-poor as a nation, it’s well publicised, but we’re all well averse in switching phone contracts and insurance deals, so why not where our energy comes from? Truth be told, I believe it’s an age-old notion that energy is ‘just something that comes with the house, not worth the hours or hassle to change.’ But in all honesty, it takes a matter of seconds to switch. Firms such as ourselves offer this and more via a quick and easy quote online. Best of all, many energy providers will help manage the switching process for you, contacting your current provider and notifying them of your intentions. I would also like to challenge this notion that once an energy firm ‘gets you’, you are ‘locked in’ for years upon end in ever rising contract costs. If you are on a standard variable tariff, you can switch to a new provider at any time. What’s more, even if you are in a fixed term energy deal, which can be subject to exit fees, sometimes the cost involved outweighs the savings you can make with your new provider. Customers must do their best to ask more of energy firms, check the service they are being given and hold it up against national bill averages. Compare what your neighbours, friends and family are paying under similar living circumstances, and weigh up if you are being given a fair deal. Living costs and regulated price hikes are always going to be an ever present worry, so I call on both customers and energy firms to do their due diligence in these respects. Age-old energy firms relying on their reputation must take a serious inward look at their lessening market share to understand why they are failing customers. It’s time to make a change now, both from business attitude and a consumer standpoint; switching is quick, easy and a vital notion to bear in mind, as both retaining custom and saving money becomes an ever-growing sticking point in the energy market.

Read More
Solar+Storage

HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR ENERGY

Article | December 23, 2021

UTILIZING SOLAR ENERGY You want the world to be a better place for your children and your children’s children. So how do you go about making changes in order to ensure that it will be? There are only so many things you can do, but you know it would be a good start to change the way you use energy. There’s so much waste and, in reality, only so much energy to go around. You’ve heard that solar energy is the energy source of the future and you can get behind that. After all, the sun is bright and hot and always around. It’s not going to run out of energy anytime soon and it makes sense to use its energy to power things. But how do you take advantage of that? Here are a few ideas. START SMALL WITH SOLAR ENERGY You might want to test out how solar energy works by using it in small ways. First, get some solar powered landscape lights and other small items that can help you get used to how solar power works. You’ll see that those lights glow on a nightly basis from the sun’s power that they stored during the day and you’ll realize that solar power can work well in other areas. GO BIG WITH SOLAR PANELS You can also do your research and go all out with solar panels on your roof. They’re costly to install, but they cost a lot less now than they did in the past. Plus, they’ll pay you back over the years in energy savings. If you really want to make an impact and you have the money to do so, solar panels are a great way to take advantage of the solar energy beating down on your house. GET IN TOUCH WITH A CLEAN ENERGY PROVIDER If you go with solar panels yourself, more power to you (literally, in some ways!) but not every homeowner has the funds or inclination to go that route. If you want something easier, but you still want solar power, it’s best to contact a clean energy provider for help. Your clean energy provider will harness solar power for you (along with wind energy and other renewable sources) and add it to the grid. You can then use energy as needed and know that it comes from the sun and other clean sources. SOLAR ENERGY IS THE FUTURE With natural resources dwindling, it makes sense for more people to jump over to solar power. It definitely has enough power to go around and it doesn’t cause harmful gases and pollution to be released into the atmosphere. You may as well jump on board early with Star Energy Partners. You’ll not only have peace of mind about where your energy comes from, but you’ll also pay a fixed rate, which is lower than what your bills are now. We can even call your current company for you and get you switched over with ease.

Read More

Spotlight

WATT Renewable Corporation

Headquarted in Calgary, Alberta (Canada), WATT Renewable "WATT" is a private company incorporated under the laws of Canada. WATT Renewable focuses on sustainable development in frontier economies around the world. As an independent power producer; the objective of WATT is to provide electricity to residential homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship, community centers, market squares, and all other locations where electricity would be needed. The company's goal is to design, build, own, and operate (DBOOM) renewable energy (RE) projects through solar, wind, and biomass generation.

Related News

Solar+Storage

Bidgely and GridX Partner to Optimize Electricity Costs for a Clean Energy Future

businesswire | August 02, 2023

Bidgely, the leading provider of AI-powered energy intelligence solutions, and GridX, the leading enterprise rate platform provider to modern utilities, have announced a partnership to deliver enhanced energy cost accuracy and control for utilities and their customers. By combining behind-the-meter consumption insights with highly accurate cost insights, utilities can implement grid management initiatives, such as cost-based load shifting and time-varying rates, that keep energy reliable and affordable for consumers. "Motivating consumers to make smarter energy decisions is paramount to achieving utility decarbonization goals,” said Chris Black, CEO of GridX. “Through our partnership with Bidgely, we are further reducing the mystery of how a consumer's energy choices correspond to their energy bills or grid impact. This results in a win for everyone. Customers get lower bills, utilities get more life out of their existing infrastructure, and customers and utilities are in sync in achieving their decarbonization goals.” Bidgely’s UtilityAI™ Platform, which provides hour-by-hour energy insights into customers’ usage patterns at the appliance level, combined with GridX’s industry-leading rate engine enables utilities to execute demand-side management strategies critical for supporting decarbonization and electrification goals. This integration enables utilities to: Improve rate analytics for tailoring new and existing plans to customer needs and utility objectives. Give customers rate comparisons that project the detailed impact to their bill across different rate options. Personalize cost simulations that inform customers on how potential changes impact future bills, for example: EV purchases, HVAC upgrades, solar PV and Time-of-Use enrollment. Deliver accurate appliance-level cost breakdowns across the bill cycle and hourly levels. Unlocking behind-the-meter cost savings opportunities also bolsters satisfaction and trust among utility customers. Through highly precise bill projections, rate comparisons and energy efficiency recommendations, consumers can understand how their individual usage affects bill statements and better control their energy costs. “Restructuring rate plans for better load shifting has become an imperative utility initiative, especially as electric vehicles, appliance electrification and weather-related grid strains become more prolific. By partnering with GridX, we are teaching consumers that when they use energy is as important as how much energy is used, and we are giving every kilowatt-hour consumed a dollar value to help drive simple and actionable behavioral changes,” said Abhay Gupta, CEO of Bidgely. About Bidgely Bidgely is an AI-powered SaaS Company accelerating a clean energy future by enabling energy companies and consumers to make data-driven energy-related decisions. Powered by our unique patented technology, Bidgely's UtilityAI™ Platform transforms multiple dimensions of customer data - such as energy consumption, demographic, and interactions - into deeply accurate and actionable consumer energy insights. We leverage these insights to empower each customer with personalized recommendations, tailored to their individual personality and lifestyle, usage attributes, behavioral patterns, purchase propensity, and beyond. From a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Grid Edge perspective, Bidgely is advancing smart meter innovation with data-driven solutions for solar PVs, EV detection, EV behavioral load shifting and managed charging, energy theft, short-term load forecasting, grid analytics, and TOU rate designs. Bidgely’s UtilityAI™ energy analytics provides deep visibility into generation, consumption for better peak load shaping and grid planning, and delivers targeted recommendations for new value-added products and services. With roots in Silicon Valley, Bidgely has over 17 energy patents, $75M+ in funding, retains 30+ data scientists, and brings a passion for AI to utilities serving residential and commercial customers around the world. About GridX, Inc GridX partners with utilities and energy suppliers to transform their businesses and accelerate the clean energy transition. The company’s Enterprise Rate Platform helps these organizations to develop new products and business models to achieve their clean energy goals; quickly operationalize new offerings in their billing and settlement processes; and better engage with their customers for broader program adoption. GridX’s platform is used by leading utilities, retail energy suppliers and energy ecosystem OEMs to serve more than 25 million homes and businesses.

Read More

Solar+Storage, Energy

Babcock & Wilcox Solar Energy, Inc. Awarded Community Solar Contracts Totaling $20 Million

Businesswire | August 01, 2023

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (B&W) (NYSE: BW) announced today that its subsidiary, Babcock & Wilcox Solar Energy, Inc., has been awarded contracts totaling more than $20 million by Summit Ridge Energy, LLC, for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of 25 megawatts of community solar energy projects in Illinois. B&W has successfully executed multiple projects for Summit Ridge Energy, including a $15 million community solar project announced in March 2023 and a $20 million project announced in 2022. “We value our strong, ongoing relationship with Summit Ridge Energy and are excited to develop more projects in the future as we look to grow and expand B&W’s presence in the community solar industry,” said Jimmy Morgan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, B&W. “We appreciate the confidence Summit Ridge Energy has shown in B&W’s installation, site coordination and project management expertise and look forward to continuing to work together.” B&W will engineer, procure and construct the six photovoltaic solar projects, with completion scheduled for 2024. “As Summit Ridge Energy continues to expand our solar leadership in Illinois, we’re pleased to partner with B&W on another EPC contract,” said Raj Soi, Executive Vice President of Operations, Summit Ridge Energy. “We are proud of our work to create new jobs in Illinois, invest in the local economy and provide solar power savings to more than 20,000 households and businesses.” With more than 100 solar projects installed, B&W offers reliable system design, construction and optimized system integration. B&W is committed to providing forward-thinking solar solutions, outstanding service, and quality construction with safety as a top priority. Summit Ridge Energy is the largest commercial solar developer and owner-operator in Illinois, with an energy portfolio of more than 250 megawatts across the state. Summit Ridge Energy has invested over $900 million in Illinois through the development and acquisition of 116 individual solar farms, located across 35 counties. These projects have employed more than 3,500 construction workers and provide solar power savings to more than 20,000 Illinois ratepayers. About Babcock & Wilcox Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. is a leader in energy and environmental products and services for power and industrial markets worldwide. About Summit Ridge Energy Launched in 2017, Summit Ridge Energy is the nation’s leading commercial solar company. Through its strategic partnerships and project financing expertise, the company develops and acquires pre-operational projects within the rapidly growing solar energy and battery storage sectors. In the past six years, Summit Ridge Energy has deployed over $1.6B USD into clean energy assets. With a development pipeline of more than 2 GW, Summit Ridge Energy will have more than 400 MW of PV online by the end of 2023, providing solar power to 50,000 homes.

Read More

Energy

Nexamp Named #1 Community Solar Company by Solar Power World Magazine

prnewswire | July 31, 2023

Nexamp, a leading clean energy solutions provider, has been awarded the prestigious title of "#1 Community Solar Company" by Solar Power World magazine. This recognition highlights Nexamp's foundational commitment to advancing renewable energy accessibility, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. Since its inception, Nexamp has set out to transform the way individuals, businesses, and communities access and utilize solar energy. By developing innovative solar projects nationwide, the company has consistently broken barriers and created opportunities for a greener future. The company's extensive portfolio of community solar installations stands as a testament to its vision of a cleaner, more sustainable grid. The Solar Power World list is developed each year to honor the work of solar companies in the United States. Solar firms in the utility, community solar, and residential markets are ranked by the number of kilowatts they installed in the previous year. Companies are grouped and listed by specific services, markets, and states. "Earning the top spot on this list is an honor," said Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp, "and as always, it shows our commitment to our mission. With an industry-leading community solar program and our growing suite of decarbonization services, we are proud of the way we continue to revolutionize the grid by developing, building, owning, and operating the solar and storage solutions of tomorrow." 2023 so far has been one of the busiest in Nexamp's history, surpassing the company's previous single-year record for megawatts of new projects turned on in just the first two quarters. Since its founding in 2007, Nexamp has installed more than a gigawatt of solar capacity. "Renewable energy accounts for a quarter of U.S. electrical generation, now far exceeding electricity produced by burning coal," said Kelsey Misbrener, managing editor of Solar Power World. "Solar power is an important member of that renewable makeup, and companies on the Top Solar Contractors List are all contributing to our country's shift to cleaner electricity. We are honored to recognize them each year for their necessary work putting green kilowatts on roofs, over parking lots, in desert locations, and across water reservoirs. Every project is making a difference." The United States reported its strongest first-quarter ever in Q1 2023 for solar installed, and industry analysts expect the solar market to triple in size over the next five years. The industry will continue to lead the way in rebuilding our infrastructure to ensure a cleaner grid. AboutNexamp Nexamp is leading the transformation to the new energy economy with proven solutions for the deployment and operation of solar energy assets. Our comprehensive capabilities span the entire solar project lifecycle – from project development, design and construction, through financing, operations, and maintenance. Our integrated, best-in-class solutions make solar energy simple and profitable for our clients and partners and make an impact every day. With a rapidly expanding network of property owners, businesses, communities, and residents benefitting from our growing portfolio of solar assets across the US, Nexamp is laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more secure energy future.

Read More

Solar+Storage

Bidgely and GridX Partner to Optimize Electricity Costs for a Clean Energy Future

businesswire | August 02, 2023

Bidgely, the leading provider of AI-powered energy intelligence solutions, and GridX, the leading enterprise rate platform provider to modern utilities, have announced a partnership to deliver enhanced energy cost accuracy and control for utilities and their customers. By combining behind-the-meter consumption insights with highly accurate cost insights, utilities can implement grid management initiatives, such as cost-based load shifting and time-varying rates, that keep energy reliable and affordable for consumers. "Motivating consumers to make smarter energy decisions is paramount to achieving utility decarbonization goals,” said Chris Black, CEO of GridX. “Through our partnership with Bidgely, we are further reducing the mystery of how a consumer's energy choices correspond to their energy bills or grid impact. This results in a win for everyone. Customers get lower bills, utilities get more life out of their existing infrastructure, and customers and utilities are in sync in achieving their decarbonization goals.” Bidgely’s UtilityAI™ Platform, which provides hour-by-hour energy insights into customers’ usage patterns at the appliance level, combined with GridX’s industry-leading rate engine enables utilities to execute demand-side management strategies critical for supporting decarbonization and electrification goals. This integration enables utilities to: Improve rate analytics for tailoring new and existing plans to customer needs and utility objectives. Give customers rate comparisons that project the detailed impact to their bill across different rate options. Personalize cost simulations that inform customers on how potential changes impact future bills, for example: EV purchases, HVAC upgrades, solar PV and Time-of-Use enrollment. Deliver accurate appliance-level cost breakdowns across the bill cycle and hourly levels. Unlocking behind-the-meter cost savings opportunities also bolsters satisfaction and trust among utility customers. Through highly precise bill projections, rate comparisons and energy efficiency recommendations, consumers can understand how their individual usage affects bill statements and better control their energy costs. “Restructuring rate plans for better load shifting has become an imperative utility initiative, especially as electric vehicles, appliance electrification and weather-related grid strains become more prolific. By partnering with GridX, we are teaching consumers that when they use energy is as important as how much energy is used, and we are giving every kilowatt-hour consumed a dollar value to help drive simple and actionable behavioral changes,” said Abhay Gupta, CEO of Bidgely. About Bidgely Bidgely is an AI-powered SaaS Company accelerating a clean energy future by enabling energy companies and consumers to make data-driven energy-related decisions. Powered by our unique patented technology, Bidgely's UtilityAI™ Platform transforms multiple dimensions of customer data - such as energy consumption, demographic, and interactions - into deeply accurate and actionable consumer energy insights. We leverage these insights to empower each customer with personalized recommendations, tailored to their individual personality and lifestyle, usage attributes, behavioral patterns, purchase propensity, and beyond. From a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Grid Edge perspective, Bidgely is advancing smart meter innovation with data-driven solutions for solar PVs, EV detection, EV behavioral load shifting and managed charging, energy theft, short-term load forecasting, grid analytics, and TOU rate designs. Bidgely’s UtilityAI™ energy analytics provides deep visibility into generation, consumption for better peak load shaping and grid planning, and delivers targeted recommendations for new value-added products and services. With roots in Silicon Valley, Bidgely has over 17 energy patents, $75M+ in funding, retains 30+ data scientists, and brings a passion for AI to utilities serving residential and commercial customers around the world. About GridX, Inc GridX partners with utilities and energy suppliers to transform their businesses and accelerate the clean energy transition. The company’s Enterprise Rate Platform helps these organizations to develop new products and business models to achieve their clean energy goals; quickly operationalize new offerings in their billing and settlement processes; and better engage with their customers for broader program adoption. GridX’s platform is used by leading utilities, retail energy suppliers and energy ecosystem OEMs to serve more than 25 million homes and businesses.

Read More

Solar+Storage, Energy

Babcock & Wilcox Solar Energy, Inc. Awarded Community Solar Contracts Totaling $20 Million

Businesswire | August 01, 2023

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (B&W) (NYSE: BW) announced today that its subsidiary, Babcock & Wilcox Solar Energy, Inc., has been awarded contracts totaling more than $20 million by Summit Ridge Energy, LLC, for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of 25 megawatts of community solar energy projects in Illinois. B&W has successfully executed multiple projects for Summit Ridge Energy, including a $15 million community solar project announced in March 2023 and a $20 million project announced in 2022. “We value our strong, ongoing relationship with Summit Ridge Energy and are excited to develop more projects in the future as we look to grow and expand B&W’s presence in the community solar industry,” said Jimmy Morgan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, B&W. “We appreciate the confidence Summit Ridge Energy has shown in B&W’s installation, site coordination and project management expertise and look forward to continuing to work together.” B&W will engineer, procure and construct the six photovoltaic solar projects, with completion scheduled for 2024. “As Summit Ridge Energy continues to expand our solar leadership in Illinois, we’re pleased to partner with B&W on another EPC contract,” said Raj Soi, Executive Vice President of Operations, Summit Ridge Energy. “We are proud of our work to create new jobs in Illinois, invest in the local economy and provide solar power savings to more than 20,000 households and businesses.” With more than 100 solar projects installed, B&W offers reliable system design, construction and optimized system integration. B&W is committed to providing forward-thinking solar solutions, outstanding service, and quality construction with safety as a top priority. Summit Ridge Energy is the largest commercial solar developer and owner-operator in Illinois, with an energy portfolio of more than 250 megawatts across the state. Summit Ridge Energy has invested over $900 million in Illinois through the development and acquisition of 116 individual solar farms, located across 35 counties. These projects have employed more than 3,500 construction workers and provide solar power savings to more than 20,000 Illinois ratepayers. About Babcock & Wilcox Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. is a leader in energy and environmental products and services for power and industrial markets worldwide. About Summit Ridge Energy Launched in 2017, Summit Ridge Energy is the nation’s leading commercial solar company. Through its strategic partnerships and project financing expertise, the company develops and acquires pre-operational projects within the rapidly growing solar energy and battery storage sectors. In the past six years, Summit Ridge Energy has deployed over $1.6B USD into clean energy assets. With a development pipeline of more than 2 GW, Summit Ridge Energy will have more than 400 MW of PV online by the end of 2023, providing solar power to 50,000 homes.

Read More

Energy

Nexamp Named #1 Community Solar Company by Solar Power World Magazine

prnewswire | July 31, 2023

Nexamp, a leading clean energy solutions provider, has been awarded the prestigious title of "#1 Community Solar Company" by Solar Power World magazine. This recognition highlights Nexamp's foundational commitment to advancing renewable energy accessibility, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. Since its inception, Nexamp has set out to transform the way individuals, businesses, and communities access and utilize solar energy. By developing innovative solar projects nationwide, the company has consistently broken barriers and created opportunities for a greener future. The company's extensive portfolio of community solar installations stands as a testament to its vision of a cleaner, more sustainable grid. The Solar Power World list is developed each year to honor the work of solar companies in the United States. Solar firms in the utility, community solar, and residential markets are ranked by the number of kilowatts they installed in the previous year. Companies are grouped and listed by specific services, markets, and states. "Earning the top spot on this list is an honor," said Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp, "and as always, it shows our commitment to our mission. With an industry-leading community solar program and our growing suite of decarbonization services, we are proud of the way we continue to revolutionize the grid by developing, building, owning, and operating the solar and storage solutions of tomorrow." 2023 so far has been one of the busiest in Nexamp's history, surpassing the company's previous single-year record for megawatts of new projects turned on in just the first two quarters. Since its founding in 2007, Nexamp has installed more than a gigawatt of solar capacity. "Renewable energy accounts for a quarter of U.S. electrical generation, now far exceeding electricity produced by burning coal," said Kelsey Misbrener, managing editor of Solar Power World. "Solar power is an important member of that renewable makeup, and companies on the Top Solar Contractors List are all contributing to our country's shift to cleaner electricity. We are honored to recognize them each year for their necessary work putting green kilowatts on roofs, over parking lots, in desert locations, and across water reservoirs. Every project is making a difference." The United States reported its strongest first-quarter ever in Q1 2023 for solar installed, and industry analysts expect the solar market to triple in size over the next five years. The industry will continue to lead the way in rebuilding our infrastructure to ensure a cleaner grid. AboutNexamp Nexamp is leading the transformation to the new energy economy with proven solutions for the deployment and operation of solar energy assets. Our comprehensive capabilities span the entire solar project lifecycle – from project development, design and construction, through financing, operations, and maintenance. Our integrated, best-in-class solutions make solar energy simple and profitable for our clients and partners and make an impact every day. With a rapidly expanding network of property owners, businesses, communities, and residents benefitting from our growing portfolio of solar assets across the US, Nexamp is laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more secure energy future.

Read More

Events