(Originally published on 2/14/2014 – ALMOST FOUR YEARS AGO – Now listen to the spin today (1/22/18) that Trump is going to kill the solar industry! – Who do you think is promoting this nonsense? – Chinese cell manufacturers!) I was SEIA’s first, and for a long time, only Louisiana member. We know who to support Read more about GoodBye SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association)[…]
Solar Lease Targeting Low Income and Minority Consumers (Originally published on August 26, 2014. Republishing in response to the article today about Posigen) Solar – specifically “leased solar” has exploded in a number of low income, predominately minority neighborhoods in Louisiana. In Baton Rouge, it is the North Baton Rouge and Scotlandville areas. In New Orleans, it Read more about Solar Lease Targeting Low Income and Minority Consumers[…]
The History of Solar in Louisiana The history of solar in Louisiana is very colorful one, which will be told one day in rich detail. It involves politicians, criminals, get-rich-quick schemes, and even some great people! Here’s an outline the milestones so you can see the bigger picture of what has happened. It begins in 1999 Read more about The History of Solar in Louisiana[…]
For those of you who remember the Wizard of Oz, you certainly remember the line “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain”. This is what the Great and Powerful Wizard kept saying when the curtain was pulled back exposing the man pulling the levers. Very short 45 second refresher clip: http://youtu.be/ubIpoPjBUds In case you didn’t know, Read more about Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain![…]
The systematic shutdown of solar is being coordinated ACROSS THE NATION by state Public Service Commissions. We here in Louisiana think we are being singled out by a vindictive commissioner that drummed up support from a couple of his partners. Actually, this is part of a much bigger national assault being coordinated by the well-funded utilities. Here is Read more about The Systematic Shutdown of Solar[…]
Net Metering killed – It’s All About Control The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) is going to authorize $107,760 for a one time “study” to changing the rules of Net Metering. (We’re calling this Net Metering 2.0) This dollar amount would buy 1,197,333 kilowatt-hours (kwh) of electricity at $.09/kwh. That’s almost 1.2 Megawatts! (I don’t know about you Read more about Net Metering killed – It’s All About Control[…]
In 2008, the 50% state tax credit kick-started the solar industry in Louisiana. It made solar affordable for the average Joe and changed the way people thought about investing in solar energy. Before 2008, there were many people investing in solar for the RIGHT reasons; environmental, sustainability, battery backup for emergencies, rising cost of electricity, peace Read more about How the State Tax Credit Ruined Solar in Louisiana[…]
OutBack Power Introduces Skybox Advanced Energy Management and Storage Platform for Residential, Light Commercial Applications OutBack Power Technologies, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of advanced renewable energy systems and products, announced Skybox, a true hybrid energy management and storage platform, scheduled to debut in January 2016. Skybox unlocks the potential of the next generation of Read more about Outback Power Introduces Skybox[…]
When special interest groups try to help… they’re typically trying to help themselves. In the case of solar, when special interest groups try to help, they end up hurting the entire industry more often than not. It’s because they’re only thinking of themselves. Take for example the first occasion in 2008. The law I Read more about When special interest groups try to help (1 of 2)[…]
Hopefully you are familiar with this scam by now. If not, the background story is here. You are solicited by phone or at your door to take advantage of a “government program” that pays for solar and energy improvements for your home. It sounds good and you want to take advantage of this free money from Read more about UPDATE – Scammers packaging solar with Energy Efficiency (GEE)[…]
(Read part 1 of 2 here) Soon after the word got out in 2008 about our “best in the nation” solar tax credit, people began opening solar companies in the state. After a few companies popped up, an individual without a solar company, solar training, or even solar on their house, wanted to start his own solar group. Read more about When special interest groups try to help (2 of 2)[…]
I will be the first to recommend combining energy efficiency with solar to lower your electric bill. However there is a difference between the two. Solar comes with hefty tax credits (currently 80%) to lower the initial cost. Energy efficiency improvements do not receive a tax credit. If a company offers to combine these Read more about Beware – Scammers Packaging Solar With Energy Efficiency[…]
Read the latest story here in our Knowledge Base: http://www.gulfsouthsolar.com/knowledge-base/beware-solar-energy-efficiency/
Beware – Scammers Bearing Gifts It has been part of the official Louisiana Department of Revenue solar tax credit rules since 2008 when the solar tax credit started. Yon may not take a tax credit on any inducements to purchase that you were given. The original example given by LDR was vacations, cruises, merchandise, or Read more about Beware – Scammers Bearing Gifts[…]
From Bloomberg June 24, 2014. Read this before you consider leasing solar… “Solar Leases Scaring Buyers When Homeowners Sell” solar leasing scare