Archive
Author Archives: David Murray
20 Oct 13 |
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Can We Handle the Power?
The idea of exchanging our current processes of making electricity from non-renewable and harmful sources like fossil fuels, to more eco-friendly systems like solar or wind sounds amazing. These sources would solve the future energy crisis if our current dependence of fossil fuels remains, and best of all, its ...
Continue Reading18 Oct 13 |
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The Decline of Solar Investment
There is constant news about improvements of solar power, either with a new method of production that lowers costs, or a new design that that significantly improves the efficiency of a solar cell. So why is there a growing decline of investment in this rising industry? While the production of solar cells grew by 10% […]
Continue Reading14 Oct 13 |
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Green Area Ratio (GAR)
The Green Area Ratio (GAR) is a new environmental zoning regulation in the District of Columbia that took effect on October 1, 2013. The Office of Planning and the District Department of the Environment are offering free training seminars on the GAR. Each seminar will provide an overview of the GAR, the plan submittal process, […]
Continue Reading04 Oct 13 |
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The Falling Cost of Solar Energy
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power, and it has the potential to appease the planet’s voracious appetite for energy. “Every hour the sun beams onto Earth more than enough energy to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year.”6 In fact, in 2005, it was estimated that the world consumed a […]
Continue Reading04 Oct 13 |
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The Debate Over Net Metering
Monday, October 7th, 2013 Net metering has long been a driving incentive for consumers to purchase solar energy systems. This billing mechanism allows solar energy system owners to be credited for electricity that is added to the grid, an inter-connected system for the distribution of electricity over a wide area. This policy in ...
Continue Reading01 Oct 13 |
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A Big Step for DC Solar Advocates
Despite the government shutdown the DC Council, in a legislative session, passed The Community Renewable Energy Act. This piece of legislation makes it possible for people who do not have their own roofs to benefit from reductions in energy bills through solar power. Previously, in order to receive such benefits homeowners would ...
Continue Reading24 Sep 13 |
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Anne Arundel County: New Zoning Restrictions
MDV-SEIA received word from the Anne Arundel County Council that they were considering new zoning restrictions for solar energy systems. Board members Stadlin and Murchie, together with the MEA, met with the County Zoning staff, who walked through the County’s concerns and intentions. The Council’s idea was to create ...
Continue Reading12 Jul 13 |
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Proposed Changes to MD Clean Energy Grant Program
The June 28 issue of the Maryland Register brings news of proposed changes to the Maryland Clean Energy Grant Program. (For the actual text, download the most recent Register in PDF here, then turn to page 36.) Highlights: Of particular note, NABCEP requirements are proposed; effective July 2014, installers that have been doing ...
Continue Reading11 Jul 13 |
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Event Recap: Project Finance Workshop
On Thursday, June 20, MDV-SEIA hosted a project finance workshop in conjunction with D.C. based solar finance firm, Sol Systems. The event opened up with pizza, beer and lots of productive networking in a beautiful salon on the second floor of the National Trust for Historic Preservation building, the former residence of Andrew ...
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