By Genevieve Bookwalter – The Washington Post,
Republished by Northwest Herald

ORION, Ill. – Randy DeBaillie pointed to the power meter on his snow-covered farm: Even on a foggy, monochromatic day, with the sun barely piercing the clouds, the flat black panels planted nearby in two long rows were generating electricity.

“There’s enough energy produced to run the whole complex,” said DeBaillie, 50, who farms 6,500 acres with his brother and cousin. They typically grow corn and soybeans each spring, but this year they want to put more solar panels on 15 acres – and sell the energy. The earnings, he said, would be about three times what an average harvest would yield there. Read more here.

Flickr Photo by Juwi Renewable Energies Limited: Poppy and solar farm.

 

Future Energy Jobs Act Website

 

Previously Posted Resources
NREL Webinar: Co-Location of Solar and Agriculture, Fresh Energy
Iowa State University Research Finds Wind Farms Positively Impact Crops, Iowa State University
Extension and Outreach

IN NEBRASKA

Previously Posted: NextEra, Nebraska farmers aim to build largest solar farm in the Midwest, Energy News Network. The 423-megawatt project would be among the largest in the country, but it hinges on an interconnection deal. Photo Credit: Rob Davis

Spring Deadline for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant Applications

NEW INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME HOMEOWNERS

New utility incentive can help low-income customers go solar, Austin Daily Herald

Upfront expenses have made it hard for low-income
homeowners to afford solar power systems that
generate both clean energy and long-term electricity cost savings. But that barrier is now being lowered for low-income customers of Xcel Energy. Xcel’s new Solar Rewards Income-Qualified Customers Program is
offering about $1 million in incentives for low-income Minnesotans who install solar energy systems. 

NEWS, OPINION & POLL FROM OTHER STATES

South Carolina House Unanimously Passes SC Energy Freedom Act, Vote Solar

The South Carolina House of Representatives passed H3659, the SC Energy Freedom Act, by a vote of
110-0. The bipartisan Energy Freedom Act resolves overly restrictive net metering limits, giving more
South Carolina families and businesses the choice to save money with solar while protecting the state’s
growing solar workforce, which now employs nearly 3,000 South Carolinians.

• Family idea: Solar panels on sewer plant, Stowe Today
  “My son has always been fascinated with solar and did a project in third grade to build a solar panel,” Chris Parsons said of his 11-year-old son. “He learned all of the science behind it and is always thinking about being in tune with the environment.”
• The Author of California’s 100% Clean Energy Law Sets Sights on Local Leadership, Greentech Media. Former State Senator Kevin de León is running for L.A. City Council and putting clean
  energy access at the core of his agenda.
• ‘Tallahassee in the solar age’: City pledges 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, Tallahassee Democrat
• Arizona Poll: Clean Energy Provides Economic Opportunity, White Mountain Independent
  According to the statewide survey, nearly 90 percent of likely Arizona voters believe the growth and use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind, should be a priority for the state. Eight-in-10 say it’s important to grow Arizona’s own energy resources, versus importing fossil fuels like natural gas and oil.
• It’s OK to believe in climate change and be a Republican, AZ Central Opinion written by Nathan Sproul, managing director of Lincoln Strategy Group and former executive director of the Arizona Republican Party. 
• Historic shift: APS says batteries are cheapest energy option, plans big investment, AZ Central
• Utilities are starting to invest in big batteries instead of building new power plants, The Conversation
• New Mexico Poised for Job, Economic Growth as Community Solar Bill Seeks Senate Support, Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA)
  CCSA Resources
  Jobs in the Community Solar Industry
• Seattle mayor proposes EV readiness requirement for all new buildings, Smart Cities Dive
• Local Schools Among 10 Receiving Pollinator Grants, KDUZ/KARP Radio
  The pollinator habitat grants were awarded by Sand County Foundation and Enel Green Power North America Inc. to Minnesota agricultural and science educators.

MANUFACTURING NEWS

First Solar is sitting pretty, PV Magazine

This year, the company expects to ship around 5.5 GW of PV modules and even at that volume, CEO Mark Widmar estimates stock is “fully sold out” through the end of next year and First Solar’s current 12 GW of bookings includes shipments scheduled through 2023.

INTERVIEW

ISES president on the promise of a 100% renewable energy world, PV Magazine International

The oldest solar organization in the world, the International Solar
Energy Society, dates back to 1954. President David Renné tells pv magazine about India’s solar dreams, the next best thing in solar technology and what renewables hold for the world’s future.