Thanks to government funding, the practice of “agrivoltaics” is taking off in places like New York.
Rhode Island’s governor signs bill to create new incentives for energy storage
Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee has signed a bill that will create the financial framework for encouraging energy storage in the state. The Energy Storage Systems Act 2024 also sets a target of 90 MW of energy storage by 2026.
DOE to study public attitudes toward siting large-scale solar projects
Washington, DC
The U.S. Department of Energy has invested $9.5 million in four new projects to support social science research that examines the ways in which siting practices can influence public attitudes toward and permitting of large-scale solar energy facilities. These research projects will help communities and developers find solutions that benefit everyone.
The final IRS payroll rules encourage project employment agreements
Washington, DC
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have released final rules on the applicable wage and registered internship requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act. The final rules include special provisions for project labor agreements, which can assist taxpayers in meeting PWA requirements.
NYSERDA is offering $5 million for agrivoltaic demonstration projects
Albany, New York
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has announced $5 million for demonstration projects combining solar projects and agricultural activities in New York State. NYSERDA is accepting proposals in support of agrivoltaic projects that integrate both new and renewed solar and agricultural activities, such as those involving livestock grazing, forage or specialty crop production.
The solar energy advocacy group is asking Governor Hochul to double the distributed solar goal
Albany, New York
The New York Solar Energy Industries Association has called on New York state lawmakers, including Governor Kathy Hochul, to increase the state’s goal for distributed solar from 10 GW in 2030 to 20 GW in 2035. NYSEIA believes this growth can happen with smart state levels. policies and the federal incentives available through the IRA.
Senators in Massachusetts are approving a bill to help the state’s transition to renewable energy sources
Boston, MA
Massachusetts senators have approved SB 2829, a bill that would set solar permitting deadlines for utilities, make it easier for residents to purchase electric vehicles and more, in an effort to help the state achieve its robust sustainable energy goals. It then goes to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for debate.