Va. Solar Program Gets New Life

Virginia has restarted its energy rebate program as of March 22. Approximately $3.5 million will fund the Virginia Solar and Wind Incentive Program, which defrays the costs of solar electric, solar thermal and small wind energy systems for residents, businesses and non-profits. Another $6.5 billion is available for the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. The first round of $20 million in rebates for the two programs was sold out in three weeks when it was offered in October.

Trade Group Wants N.Y. to Put Solar Thermal on Incentive List

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York Inc. said it backs a proposal to add solar thermal technologies to the list of energy technologies the state supports with incentives.

New Natural Gas and Solar Power Plant Coming to Nevada

A $1.4 billion natural gas and solar energy power plant will be built near Mesquite, Nev., according to KXNT.com. Original plans called for a coal plant, but that idea was scrapped. The new plant could create 1,000 jobs.

SolarBridge Nabs Texas Technology Grant

In Austin, Texas, SolarBridge Technologies won a $1.5 million state grant to develop technology for residential and small commercial solar installations, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The company designs microinverters and monitoring systems to make photovoltaic solar installations less expensive, more reliable and more efficient. SolarBridge hopes to launch its first product later this year.

Tech and Energy Titans Moving on Solar Power

GE announced it is focusing its solar development efforts on thin-film photovoltaic technology, in conjunction with PrimeStar Inc., a startup firm majority-owned by GE. Meanwhile, Chevron is testing seven different solar technologies at an old refinery site in Bakersfield, Calif. The company is scouting for ways to determine if solar and other technologies can be used in its in-house energy systems.