Installing solar modules is typically a job reserved for certified professionals — however with renewable technologies advancing at such a rapid pace, solar panel installations may soon be as simple as 1,2,3. The “Sunfish”, designed by Chad Maglaque and Clarian Technologies, is a comparatively inexpensive solar module kit anticipated to release in stores by spring 2011. To begin installation, consumers would need to purchase a power module, circuit monitor and pluggable solar panel(s)…

Experts have warned homeowners agreeing to new “solar for free” offers that they could double their financial savings by paying for the panels themselves. Since a government tax incentive was launched in April 2009, solar PV installations have skyrocketed in the UK. This has left many homeowners vulnerable to a massive amount of companies offering to fit their homes with solar panels for free. Under the “rent your roof” model, the companies…

New Mexico State University’s International Relations Institute will receive $200,000 in federal funds to support the development of innovative energy sources for New Mexico farmers and ranchers. Most of the cash, $125,000 to be exact, will be apportioned to projects under the university’s Renewable Energy, Water and Arid Lands Task Force. Projects include a new solar system for a biodiesel project fueled by algae, a new solar power system for water…

A new legislation was recently introduced in the Senate to provide an investment tax credit (ITC) to energy storage facilities. Senate Bill 3617 – the Storage Technology of Renewable and Green Energy Act of 2010 (the “STORAGE 2010 Act”) – would provide up to $1.5 billion in tax credits to storage projects which are connected to the U.S. electric grid. This initiative is intended to support intermittent energy sources, including wind and solar power, while moderating energy….

An investment arm for electric utility PG&E Corp. recently announced it will invest $100 million in rooftop solar systems for 3,500 new homes in five U.S. states, from California to New Jersey. As a partner in the project, San-Francisco based SunRun will offer long-term lease and power purchase agreements to homeowners, who in turn will…