Press Contact:
Rosalind Jackson
415-817-5061
rosalind@votesolar.org
Recent Press
San Jose Mercury News: June 30, 2009
Report issued on success of California's solar program
Despite the worst economic downturn in decades, California's multibillion-dollar program to expand solar power production — the country's largest — remains on track to install as much new energy this year as last, according to a report issued Tuesday by the California Public Utilities Commission.
"You often hear about the programs that fail," said Adam Browning, executive director and co-founder of Vote Solar Initiative, a San Francisco nonprofit seeking to bring solar energy into the mainstream. "Here is a program that is literally doing what it was advertised to do. That's a good story."
San Jose Mercury News: June 19, 2009
PG&E Opposes Two Solar-Power Bills
After casting itself as a champion of solar power, Pacific Gas & Electric has angered green-energy advocates by opposing two state bills that would ramp up the benefits for those who go solar. Put simply, PG&E's objection is that the two measures would make solar too popular.
"Maximizing the number of people who go solar is a paramount policy — it affects air pollution consideration, climate change considerations and the development of green jobs," said Adam Browning, executive director and co-founder of Vote Solar Initiative, a San Francisco nonprofit seeking to bring solar energy into the mainstream. "So why are we talking about stamping on the brakes when we should be talking about pushing on the accelerator?"
Earth2Tech: June 18, 2009
Why California Doesn’t Have a German-Style Solar Feed-In Tariff
At a luncheon Wednesday to discuss solar trends in advance of the Intersolar North America conference next month, some California solar insiders voiced skepticism about whether a German-style feed-in tariff would be the end-all policy for the state.
Because the tariff offered such a high price for solar electricity, it created a shortage of panels that led to much higher prices. “On the one hand, Germany absolutely built the global manufacturing base, but on the other hand, it built the manufacturing base around the $4-a-watt panel,” Adam Browning, executive director of solar advocacy group Vote Solar, told me last month. “We will always have the German program to thank for what it did – it saved the world, as far as I’m concerned – but it also had some policy ramifications that haven’t been entirely positive.”
Las Vegas Sun: June 15, 2009
State Thinks Big on Solar Power
As competing states dawdle, Nevada adds incentives for construction
Utility-size solar generation plants in the desert, along with geothermal plants, got a big boost this session. Jim Baak, director of utility-scale solar for the nonprofit advocacy group Vote Solar, said Nevada was far more proactive than other sunny-state legislatures this year.
New York Times: June 9, 2009
Solar Showdown Looms in California
Solar installations could grind to a halt in California, industry advocates say, unless a legislative proposal, which the state Senate is considering this month, passes.
But solar installations, at least in PG&E territory, will stop if the net-metering cap isn’t raised before the utility reaches its limit, said Adam Browning, the executive director of Vote Solar, another solar advocacy group. “This is a huge roadblock looming,” he said. While a halt on net metering wouldn’t actually prohibit solar installations, it would drastically reduce the economic benefit of going solar, he added.
CBS Eyewitness News: May 28, 2009
California Closes in on Solar Cap
Going solar has been the mantra for years in California. But an old state law puts a limit on how many homes and businesses can recieve incentives, and we're quickly reaching that limit.
Las Vegas Sun: May 28, 2009
As president applauds Nevada’s green efforts, two bills to foster industry’s growth make their way through Carson City.
Jim Baak, a director of policy for the nonprofit Vote Solar, said tax abatements are crucial to companies seeking financing to build new facilities, in large part to help offset manufacturing costs. “Solar developers are looking where they can locate plants for the lowest cost, so they can deliver the lowest-cost energy to utilities,” he said. “Nevada has a young but growing industry with so much promise. Without those abatements, the state would be missing a tremendous opportunity.”
Boston Globe: May 24, 2009
State hopes affordable leases will make panels an electricity option for more homeowners.
"Solar has a guaranteed return," said Adam Browning executive director of the San Francisco based Vote Solar Initiative, a nonprofit that works with states to improve policies to grow solar. "You tell me where else you can get this rate of return in this economic environment."
Renewable Energy World: May 21, 2009
Solar Takes a Backseat in National Climate and Energy Bill
By Annie Carmichael and Jim Baak, Vote Solar.
Does this sweeping new plan include provisions to make solar energy, which currently accounts for 1/10th of one percent of our electricity supply, a substantial part of the nation’s energy mix? The accurate answer is nuanced, but the short answer is no.
San Francisco Chronicle: May 5, 2009
Open Forum: Sunset Reservoir solar plan meets green goals
By Adam Browning, executive director of the Vote Solar Initiative, and Francesca Vietor, commissioner of the San Francisco PUC.
San Francisco's oft-stated commitments to expanding solar power and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions face a crucial test today at the Board of Supervisors. At stake is the approval of a new 5-megawatt solar power installation that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission would like to place atop its recently seismically retrofitted Sunset Reservoir.
Las Vegas Sun: April 14, 2009
An older type of 'Green' takes precedence
The environmental benefits of going green are an afterthought in the report and in the Legislature, where debate rages over energy policy. “Green jobs,” not greenhouse gases, is the phrase that is repeated. The reason is obvious — unemployment here exceeds 10 percent and the state budget is in a shambles.
[Jim Baak, director of utility-scale solar for Vote Solar] sees the lack of environmental considerations in Carson City and elsewhere as a positive sign that the renewable energy industry is growing up and can stand on its own. “In the early days, it was all about the environmental benefits for renewable energy,” Baak said. “But we’ve reached a point in the national psyche where we’re not really questioning the benefits, we’re not questioning climate change, we’re taking that as a given and we’ve moved past that.”
St. Petersburg Times: April 12, 2009
Solar energy: Florida is poised to become a leader, but it must act soon
Solar power in the Sunshine State has exploded in the past three years, providing millions of dollars in new projects and hundreds of jobs even as most of Florida's economy withered.
The Vote Solar Initiative, an advocacy group based in San Francisco, estimates that Florida could see 85,500 jobs in solar if the Legislature adopts Gov. Charlie Crist's goal of getting 20 percent of the state's power from renewable sources by 2020.
Associated Press: April 6, 2009
Nevada lawmakers debate solar energy
Lawmakers were told Monday the solar energy industry will have a major impact on Nevada's economy, assuming that tax abatements are offered to attract such companies to the state.
Study showed that solar energy development over the next seven years could create close to 6,000 construction jobs per year, 1,200 full-time plant operation jobs and close to $11 billion in the generation of goods and services, said Jim Baak of Vote Solar, a nonprofit solar advocacy group. Baak added that $500 million in sales and property taxes would be paid to the state over the life of solar energy projects if tax abatements are approved.
Austin American Statesman: April 5, 2009
Strama proposes loan program for solar panels
State Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, says a solar power measure he has proposed is not only good policy, it's personal. He told a House Energy Resources subcommittee last week that the measure would create a loan system to help homeowners like him pay for pricey rooftop solar panels.
At least 10 other states are considering similar proposals, according to Annie Carmichael, the federal policy director of the Vote Solar Initiative, a nonprofit organization promoting solar power that is based in San Francisco and New York.
Greentech Media: April 1, 2009
California Considers Expanding Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariffs
The public utilities commission has proposed to make the feed-in tariff program eligible to renewable power projects larger than 1.5 megawatts. The goal is to simplify the power-purchase process between utilities and power generators.
"This is a good start in the right direction," said Adam Browning, executive director of Vote Solar, a San Francisco-based advocacy group that focuses on state legislation across the country. "What the state is coming out with is a significant new program which could initially add another 1,000 megawatts to the grid."
Renewable Energy World: March 18, 2009
Vote Solar Ads Tout Solar Job Potential
As part of its effort to expand state-level solar programs and continue the growth in green collar jobs, solar advocacy organization Vote Solar has released potential job-creation figures for key markets in the U.S.
Vote Solar publicized the findings through fictional “help wanted” ads in major newspapers serving Florida, Nevada and Texas, where the organization is working to build aggressive solar programs under each state's renewable portfolio standard.
MSNBC: March 11, 2009
Classified ads make pitch for Texas solar jobs
Activists highlight energy potential, as state lawmakers mull legislation
The solar energy that could be harvested from just one acre of West Texas land equals 800 barrels of oil a year, according to the State Energy Conservation Office.
More bills are being filed daily, said Annie Carmichael, a Vote Solar Initiative spokeswoman. "This is the solar session," she said. The nonprofit, grassroots group says the 90,000 jobs would be created if most of the circuitry, panels and other necessary components were manufactured in Texas.
Associated Press: March 10, 2009
Group: Solar Energy Could Bring Jobs to Texas
Texas leads the nation in wind power, and now a group advocating for solar energy is pushing for the state to tap into its sunshine.
California-based Vote Solar Initiative took out classified ads in several Texas newspapers Tuesday, claiming solar energy could create 45,000 to 90,000 jobs across the state for electricians and engineers and in sales. The ads, which the group said ran in The Midland Reporter-Telegram, the Abilene Reporter News, The Dallas Morning News and the Austin American-Statesman, urge readers to contact legislators to "ask for bold solar policies."
Palm Beach Post: March 10, 2009
85,500 Solar Jobs Possible in Florida
Harnessing solar energy in the Sunshine State has always seemed to make a lot of sense. Well, now a grass-roots group wants to put that to the test.
The San Francisco-based The Vote Solar Initiative, focused on advancing solar energy development in the U.S., estimates that 85,500 jobs — from construction to engineering to marketing — could be created if Florida adopts a proposed requirement that 20 percent of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.
Las Vegas Sun: March 9, 2009
State faces obstacles to cashing in on the sun
Some see energy exports to California as revenue source for Nevada
Jim Baak, a policy director for large-scale solar projects at the San Francisco-based solar advocacy organization Vote Solar, is working on a study that he says will show that solar plants built from 2010 to 2015 and generating a total of 2,000 megawatts would directly and indirectly add $10 billion in economic benefits. The plants would create 6,000 construction jobs a year and would provide 1,200 full-time jobs at the plants once they are complete.
Baak and other solar advocates and developers say Nevada must carefully nurture a still nascent industry that is a natural fit for a state full of flat lands and sunny skies. As they gain a foothold, manufacturing plants could then be lured here, creating a greater number of permanent jobs.
New York Times: February 24, 2009
A Solar Controversy Heats Up in L.A.
On March 3, residents of Los Angeles go to the polls to decide the fate of a controversial solar power proposal.
“In the case of Measure B, some believe that private solar companies, with deep expertise honed in a competitive environment, can provide the same solar service more cheaply than the D.W.P.,” wrote Adam Browning, the executive director of the non-profit Vote Solar Initiative, in a Los Angeles Times op-ed.
San Jose Mercury News: February 24, 2009
PG&E announces major plan to develop solar energy generation
California's drive to produce more clean energy got a major boost Tuesday when Pacific Gas & Electric announced its largest-ever plan to build and invest in solar energy systems.
Adam Browning of the San Francisco-based Vote Solar Initiative said research shows that for every megawatt of solar energy installed, an average of 15 manufacturing jobs and 15 installation jobs are created, more jobs per megawatt than for any other energy source. "Manufacturing could be anywhere, because this industry is global, but the installing will be local," he said. "There is absolutely no doubt there will be an incremental job benefit from this."
Press Release: February 24, 2009
Vote Solar Commends PG&E Solar Energy Plan
Today Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Northern California’s largest utility, announced plans for an ambitious and substantial new solar energy program.
"We estimate that this initiative will put between 7,500 and 15,000 Californians to work building our renewable energy future," said Adam Browning, executive director of Vote Solar. "Perhaps most exciting, PG&E has designed a diverse program that maximizes the benefits of utility involvement while minimizing the potential drawbacks."
KCRW's Which Way LA?: February 23, 2009
Shining Sunlight on Measure B: The Solar Panel Initiative
Measure B on next week's Los Angeles ballot would put the publicly owned Department of Water and Power in the solar energy business. Would private companies be crowded out?
We hear a debate: Adam Browning: Executive Director, Vote Solar Initiative; Bill Rosendahl: Los Angeles City Councilman; and Ron Kaye: former Editor, Los Angeles Daily News.
San Jose Mercury News: February 19, 2009
The report, "Tracking the Sun," attributes declining costs to effective state solar programs, such as California's Solar Initiative.
"Solar will be big when it is cheap," said Adam Browning, executive director of Vote Solar, a nonprofit advocacy group. "This report demonstrates that local market development plays a key role in bringing solar costs down."
Los Angeles Times: February 18, 2009
An expert on renewable energy policy says the DWP shouldn't shut out private-sector routes to going solar.
When the DWP last fall announced an ambitious solar energy program, it was like a ray of sunshine bursting through the smog. My group -- the Vote Solar Initiative -- is supportive, but only if the utility agrees to open markets for competition and stops trying to hijack money meant to help ratepayers go solar on their own. It's your money, not theirs.
San Francisco Chronicle: February 18, 2009
Stimulus adds tax credit for home solar panels
Homeowners interested in sticking solar panels on their roofs got a big boost from the $787 billion economic stimulus package signed Tuesday by President Obama.
Homeowners will now be able to get a federal tax credit worth 30 percent of the cost of their new solar system even if they're also receiving state or local financing. That could make a big difference in California, which offers rebates to homeowners who install solar systems. And Berkeley has a new solar financing program that lets homeowners pay the cost of their solar systems over 20 years, a program that San Francisco and other cities plan to emulate.
Wall Street Journal: February 9, 2009
Condos and apartment buildings have proven resistant to solar power. That's starting to change.
Solar has long been thought of as an elitist resource, says Shaun Chapman, East Coast campaigns director for Vote Solar Initiative, a San Francisco-based nonprofit promoting solar legislation in the U.S. The challenge now, Mr. Chapman says, is, "How do we get it to everyone?"
San Antonio Express: February 2, 2009
Nonprofits Say Boosting Solar Capability in Texas Could Create Jobs
Ramping up solar power in Texas could create new jobs in the state, help energy prices and eliminate pollutants that add to global warming, several nonprofit groups said Monday.
As many as 22,000 manufacturing and installation jobs would be created if Texas were to build a utility-scaled solar program and to expand incentives for smaller-scale programs to put solar panels on houses, schools and businesses across the state, according to a report by Public Citizen, Environment Texas and Vote Solar.
KALW Public Radio: January 27, 2009
The city of Berkeley is a proving ground for many progressive measures. Some, like school desegregation and curbside recycling, have set the tone for the entire nation. As David Ross reports, the path toward renewable solar energy hasn't been so well lit. There is some question about solar systems funded through municipal programs being able to qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit.
Adam Browning is Executive Director of a San Francisco-based organization called Vote Solar: "Most likely this is going to come from congressional leadership, and that's where we're focusing our efforts. We are very lucky to live in the Bay Area and have the Speaker of the House, Speaker Pelosi, be a local leader as well as be a true, true friend to solar and renewable energy. And so we feel good about our chances."
Greentech Media: January 26, 2009
Vote Solar's Executive Director Adam Browning reports on the good times held at the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball in Washington DC.
The party was a lot like one of Vote Solar’s parties, except it was held in the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian instead of a nightclub, and there were a lot more famous people. Al Gore, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Van Jones preached to the largely converted.
Renewable Energy World Podcast: January 22, 2009
Tumultuous Times for State Solar Programs
Vote Solar's Gwen Rose and Shaun Chapman offer a look at the changing solar energy programs in Florida, New York and states nationwide.
State programs are driving the U.S. solar market. But what happens when most of those states want to restructure their incentives all at once? The result: A period of downright difficult-yet-necessary growth pains for the solar industry. In this podcast, we'll explore the issues that businesses, advocates and regulators in the solar industry are facing as they navigate this rocky transition period on the state-level.
The New York Times: January 16, 2009
Torn Between Green Galas? At Least They’re a Walk Apart
IN Washington on Monday night, the giants of the environment and conservation movements will gather to celebrate the inauguration, but they will do it at two very different galas — with very different philosophies.
The first gala is being held by Al Gore, the former vice president and Nobel laureate. His event is also joined by a no-compromise crowd long frustrated with the Bush administration. Among them, the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, the Vote Solar Initiative and Youth for Environmental Sanity.
ClimateWire: January 12, 2009
Harvesting the Sun for Electricity Still Needs a Jolt in Many Areas (log-in)
More and more states are implementing renewable portfolio standards that mandate that a percentage of electricity come from renewable sources. But convincing utilities to buy small-scale, consumer-generated energy, instead of from their usual wholesale markets, has been slow going.
"They begin with denial, and then there's a little anger there that happens. They gradually move to acceptance," said Adam Browning, director of the Vote Solar Initiative, which focuses on bringing solar to the mainstream. Vote Solar works nationally to advocate reasonable standards to connect small systems to the electric grid and to put net metering rules in place.
Press Release: January 7, 2009
Green Energy Leaders Comment on NY's State of the State Address
Our economic future depends heavily on the growth of our clean energy sector, and Governor Paterson’s comments today demonstrate his commitment to it. New York has long been the capital of global business; let's not miss an opportunity to lead the world again in the creation of a new clean energy economy. It's time for policy-makers across New York to join the Governor and the clean energy sector in building a new green economy worthy of our great State that protects our planet and puts New Yorkers back to work.
Dow Jones Clean Technology Insight: November 26, 2008
Major Solar Plan From LA Leaves Out Solar-As-Service (log-in required)
The city of Los Angeles officials unveiled an ambitious plan to install close to 1.3 gigawatts of solar energy on the city grid, heralding new opportunities for the solar industry. But the proposal still leaves out a number of solar companies in the cold.
"While this is hugely ambitious, it still does not address the most popular selling channel for solar in California," said Adam Browning, president of nonprofit Vote Solar Initiative that supports solar policies across the U.S., in an interview with Clean Technology Insight. . . "What we like [about the broad solar proposal] is there's an emphasis on a variety of solar technologies and selling channels," said Browning.
Press Release: November 25, 2008
Advocacy Groups Team to Advance Clean Energy Market, Jobs in Florida
Solar Industry Supports Florida Renewable Energy Alliance’s Core Principles for an Effective Renewable Portfolio Standard in Florida
Added Vote Solar’s Deputy Director Gwen Rose, “With the economic and environmental cost of traditional energy sources continuing to skyrocket, it's become increasingly clear that renewable energy investment is smart energy investment. With this RPS program, we have an immediate opportunity to ensure that the Florida's homes, businesses and communities have reliable, predictably-priced clean energy for decades to come.”
Wall Street Journal: November 16, 2008
When homeowners supply more energy than they need, they want to be paid for it. Not so fast, critics say.
Under net metering, customers can effectively bank at least a portion of the electricity they generate during the day, when the sun is shining, and use it as credit toward the power they need to purchase at night or on cloudy days, when their solar systems aren't functioning. Net metering is available in 41 states and the District of Columbia, according to Vote Solar, a nonprofit that works to develop policies in support of solar energy across the U.S.
Greentech Media: November 5, 2008
States Tackle Green Energy Ballot Measures
California's Proposition 7 and Proposition 10 fail, while Missouri adopts a state renewable portfolio standard
Browning, of Vote Solar, said the passage of Missouri's renewable portfolio standard – and its backing by major utility Kansas City Power and Light – shows that voters and utilities are starting to see such standards as good for the economy as well as the environment.
Treehugger.com: October 16, 2008
Put Green First & Promote Solar Power with the Vote Solar Initiative
Though solar power has planted itself firmly in public consciousness over the past year, that doesn’t mean that individuals can rest on their laurels
One of the most interesting booths at Solar Power International wasn’t even on the exhibit floor, and wasn’t even staffed by anyone. The Vote Solar Initiative is a San Francisco-based advocacy organization, working nationally to “bring solar energy into the mainstream” and focusing on “policies that will develop the economies of scale necessary to bring down costs, and help us transition to a renewable energy economy.”
Renewable Energy World: October 9, 2008
What Utility Involvement in the Distributed Solar Market Means for the Future of the Solar Industry
Vote Solar’s Adam Browning and Keyes & Fox, LLP partner Kevin Fox share their views on utilities moving into distributed solar generation
The remedy is to open up the market for small-scale distributed systems by developing a standard-offer contract for solar generation delivered inside of distribution networks, pursuant to RPS goals. Yep, that's right-a feed-in tariff. In California, a suite of solar advocates including Vote Solar, the Solar Alliance, the California Solar Energy Industry Association (CalSEIA), Green Volts, Recurrent Energy, and others have pursued this approach in several different venues: both in response to SCE's application to the CPUC, and through the CPUC's ongoing AB 1969 implementation proceeding.
The Wall Street Journal: October 6, 2008
Solar-energy advocates look for innovative ways to reduce upfront installation costs
"The real leap forward in the solar industry is what's happening in financial innovation, perhaps more than in the technology itself," says Adam Browning, executive director of the Vote Solar Initiative, a nonprofit organization in San Francisco dedicated to moving solar energy into the mainstream.
Cleantech.com: October 6, 2008
Solar Takes Stock After Tax Credit Battle
Utilities wield new levels of influence and industry leaders cope with unexpected challenges as U.S. renewable energy tax credit is secured
As a result, utilities are expected to play a much larger role in solar than ever before. More power companies are likely to begin their own distributed generation projects, said Adam Browning, executive director of the nonprofit Vote Solar.
Cnet News.com: August 14, 2008
Massive Solar Photovoltaic Plants are California-bound
Pacific Gas & Electric has inked deals with OptiSolar and SunPower to establish 800 megawatts of solar farms in California, which could become the world's largest set of grid-tied photovoltaic installations.
"What you are seeing here is the foundation of an industry that can deliver electricity cleanly, cheaply, and reliably than the fossil fuel alternatives," said Adam Browning, executive of the Vote Solar Initiative. "That's really good news because the Department of Energy predicts we will need 386 gigawatts by 2015 just to keep up with load growth...This is a very large, great leap forward in economies of scale. This is the wave of the future."
San Francisco Business Times: August 22, 2008
Wired are crossed over utilities' rights to rooftop power
The solar industry, while supporting increased solar adoption inside a utility’s service area and even supporting utility ownership, says the California Public Utilities Commission needs to foster competition and let players other than utilities compete for those rooftops, develop solar projects and sell the electricity they generate to the utility, too. “The solar industry is not saying the utility shouldn’t do this,” said Adam Browning, executive director of the San Francisco Vote Solar Initiative. “They’re saying utilities should do this, but shouldn’t be allowed monopolistic control over this. We need new policies that open up that market.”
San Francisco Business Times: July 18, 2008
SolarCity Basks in the Glow of S.F. Subsidy
San Francisco's solar subsidy is heating up business at SolarCity.
Adam Browning, executive director of Vote Solar, a solar advocacy and policy group, said SolarCity's success has been based on innovative financing they've developed. "They've cleverly designed their offerings to meet customer needs with innovative new business practices," Browning said. "They've figured out a way to sell products and services that make it as turnkey as possible to get solar power.
Photon International: July 7, 2008
New Jersey's Solar Market Transition Frustrates Industry
During a discussion on solar policies at the American Solar Energy Society's recent conference in San Diego, solar advocate Adam Browning of the Vote Solar Initiative began by describing the various local, state and federal government programs available in the US as the "interlocking puzzle of incentives
Mother Jones: May/June 2008
Gary Kremen wants to hook Americans up with solar energy, one roof at a time
"These are serial entrepreneurs," says Adam Browning of the Vote Solar Initiative, a California nonprofit, "and they see energy as the next field to conquer." PayPal cofounder Elon Musk is now chairman of a solar-installation firm. Google, which powers its headquarters partly with a titanic solar installation, recently invested $10 million in a solar-thermal startup. Browning says dot-commers' enthusiasm for solar "appeals to their desire to do good. They want to be part of something bigger."
San Francisco Chronicle: April 17, 2008
SF Hearings Delay Solar Panel Grants
Solar-power advocates are frustrated that San Francisco politics have so far stalled a modest investment of public money in a solar panel program as the city continues to fall behind others in California in its use of sun energy
"This is unfortunate that this tiny little program is being held up because there is an urgency with climate change and the city is losing its chance to lead in solar energy," said Claudia Eyzaguirre, a representative of Vote Solar, which pushes for increased solar energy use. "Everyone on the Board of Supervisors supports solar power. It's too bad politics is slowing it down."
St. Petersburg Times: March 14, 2008
The Sunshine State loves solar, a new poll says
Using solar energy showed strong support across party lines, according to the Mason-Dixon poll sponsored by the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association and the Vote Solar Initiative, both solar power advocates.