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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

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Q.
Do you know of a report or available data sets that shows U.S. electric utilities and their percentage of generated and/or purchased renewable energy/solar for 2012?
Posted May 14, 2013 | Read Answer
Q.
If I adjusted the tilt to maintain a 90 degree angle to the sun, what would be the annual % solar gain?
Posted May 10, 2013 | Read Answer
Q.
Why can't people in Arizona participate in Solar Mosaic or similar crowd funding options for solar?
Posted March 05, 2013 | Read Answer
Q.
What are the environmental benefits of using solar power as a main energy source?
Posted February 28, 2013 | Read Answer
Q.
Can any residential rental property qualify for the Federal Business Energy Tax Credit?
Posted February 22, 2013 | Read Answer
Q.
What is the maximum output we could expect from our solar install?
Posted February 14, 2013 | Read Answer
Q.

Are solar generators a viable alternative to propane and gasoline generators? After hurricane Sandy I'm seriously considering investing in a generator, but I have concerns about safety. I'd be looking to power my well pump, my oil burner and a refrigerator. -Laura

Posted November 05, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

What fundamental roof information should I get from my municipal facility managers in preparation for a solar PPA? -Todd

Posted November 05, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.
Are solar lights a viable option in my small town?
Posted October 05, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

I am looking for information regarding the current installed solar capactiy listed by state. I need this information so I can figure out what percentage of a state's current energy portfoilio is coming from solar. -Chip
 

Posted October 03, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

Is there a federal law that requires utilities to buy back renewable electricity? Why do some electric coops in AL, TN refuse to buy it back and can they do that? Is there a minimum price per kwh they have to pay? I thought coops were supposed to help people. They aren't regulated by the PSC.

Posted September 04, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

What is the levelized cost of the Ivanpah project? - John

Posted September 04, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.
  1. Why is Solar Energy expensive?
  2. Who manipulates the price/cost of solar energy?
  3. Do the oil companies have a hand in this manipulation?
    -Alberto Carlos
Posted September 04, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

If the local government entities will not take the initiative to organize and execute Solar Initiatives is there any technical support or guidance available for a qualified consortium of community development organizations wanting to implement solar solutions? - Robin

Posted August 27, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

With all of the surface area of wind turbines for the base, turbine, and blades, why is it not considered to cover them with PV installations? - Glen

Posted August 27, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

Our community just added a dozen 240 watt panels to our courthouse annex.  I was planning on 240 watt max from the panels, but the inverters are of a lower wattage, 200.  Is this common across all applications?  

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

How do other communities regulate large-scale solar installations? 

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

What do other communities do to mitigate the effects of glare from solar panels on surrounding properties?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

How do other communities address solar energy systems in historic districts?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

What are the best states to install residential solar systems?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

Where can I find information on active PACE programs?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

What sort of license do I need to install a solar system?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

I am looking of examples of how local units of government have utilized state/federal governmental tax credits to reduce the cost of PV/solar electric systems.  I know there is a way with vehicle fueling alternatives, but I am searching for how tax credits can make our dollars go further with PV.

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

Can you describe what RECs are and how they work?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

What kind of wind speed can solar panels withstand on roof installs?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

How do other communities encourage the use of solar energy systems through their comprehensive plans?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

How do other communities use development regulations to protect solar access?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

How do other communities use development regulations to encourage appropriate solar orientation for new development?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

Do any communities require developers to build “solar-ready” homes? 

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer
Q.

How do other communities use development regulations to encourage the installation of small-scale solar energy systems?

Posted July 30, 2012 | Read Answer

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