MyBit is launching into solar power later this year. The company will use crowdfunding to support solar projects that people can invest in at low levels and receive revenue from. 

A new company, Chanje, launched to introduce electric trucks and vans for commercial transportation powered by renewable energy. The company will first introduce the Chanje V8070, a mid-size truck, a vehicle that can travel 70 miles a day carrying up to 6,000 pounds, meeting the news of the so-called “last mile” in transportation. It said it already has orders that it will deliver later this year. 

Getting a solar installation is great. Getting one with no money down is even better. But getting one for free? That’s just awesome! Now residents in multiple states have a chance to register for a free solar array from All Energy Solar. 

Earlier this week the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said that the  Clean Power Plan put in place by President Obama (D) will remain suspended for at least 60 more days. The Clean Power Plan limits carbon emissions from power plants across the nation through the Environmental Protection Agency. As such it promotes development of more clean power like solar and wind.

California has the most solar power in the US, sometimes providing as much as 40 percent of the state’s electric needs. But its main electric grid operator, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) said that the solar eclipse on Aug. 21 won’t impact the electric grid. 

The Suniva Solar 201 Safeguard trade case, which is seeking protection from the lower prices of imported silicon solar cells and panels, from the US International Trade Commission will be heard by the ITC on Aug. 15. The case has roiled the US solar industry as the bankrupt company has put potentially hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk. However, Suniva and SolarWorld US supported a new report claiming tariffs would create tens of thousands of jobs. 

First Solar, which makes some of the world’s largest solar projects using its thin-film solar panels, has nearly halved its emissions while reducing its energy use, even while making more solar panels, the company said in its 2017 sustainability report, which came out yesterday (Aug. 7).  

Last week saw another round of solar power growing in the US. For instance, a Democratic team of House Reps introduced a bill to move the US to 100 percent renewables by 2050. Meanwhile multiple utilities in California introduced new funding to help low-income residents go solar and New York celebrated the success of its first Solarize campaigns with a manufacturing focussed campaign. 

Yesterday (Aug. 3) New York both celebrated the installation of 850 solar rooftops through its second Solarize campaign and launched a new Solarize campaign geared specifically toward manufacturers in the state. The latest Solarize campaign was launched through the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG).

On July 31 Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offered $10.3 million more in funding through its Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program. However, the utility is only making the offer through Aug. 11, so interested contractors, housing owners and tenants must act quickly to apply.