It’s our birthday.  Vote Solar is turning 10. That’s right–ten years of hard work, big wins, small victories, heartbreaks, come-backs, and interminable regulatory proceedings, all in the name of U.S. solar power policy progress. And we’re celebrating that decade of solar advocacy with our biggest Equinox party yet.

Equinox – Vote Solar’s Annual Celebration & Fundraiser
Where: The Fillmore, San Francisco’s historic music venue
When: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 – 6:30-11 PM » Read the rest of this entry «

There is some serious solar momentum in New York State. More than 100 state legislators have signed on to co-sponsor strong new solar policy. Governor Cuomo called for more solar in his ‘State of the State’ address. And thousands of New Yorkers have already spoken up in support of the New York Solar Jobs Act. But naysayers are doing all they can to derail that progress. We need your help keeping it on track!

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Our friends at the Solar Foundation released a sneak peek at the results of their 2011 National Solar Jobs Census. It comes as no surprise to any of us working in solar that this fast growing industry continues to brighten the American economy . . .

The census data shows that 100,237 Americans are now working in the U.S. solar industry. That’s more than U.S. coal mining. That’s more than U.S. steel and iron production. That’s wayyyyyy more than U.S. crude oil and natural gas pipeline transportation. That’s real. » Read the rest of this entry «

We are writing with good news. Remember PACE, the innovative local energy retrofit program that ran into a roadblock in the form of Fannie, Freddie and their regulators at the Federal Housing Finance Agency? Well, next week Congress will introduce new BIPARTISAN legislation to fix the situation and get these money saving efficiency and renewable programs back on track. And that means, it’s time to shout your support from the (weatherized) rooftops!

The “PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2011,” to be introduced shortly by Congresspersons Nan Hayworth (R-NY), Daniel Lungren (R-CA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA . . . see, bi-partisan!), addresses three key issues: » Read the rest of this entry «

Last week our Get Some Sun webinar featured the Center for Resource Solutions’ Robin Quarrier covering proposed “Green Guides” updates from the Federal Trade Commission. Robin’s presentation was a real eye-opener for our team and should be required viewing for anyone involved in marketing solar and other renewable generation here in the U.S. So read on . . . » Read the rest of this entry «

Times Square is about to get a little bit sunnier: starting today, our digital billboard features photographs of real New Yorkers calling for state lawmakers to make the Empire State a solar energy powerhouse by passing the New York Solar Jobs Act of 2011 (S.4178/A.5713) before the end of session on Monday. The featured New Yorkers are winners and finalists in our Empire State Solar Generation Photo Contest – see the full ad below! » Read the rest of this entry «

In this final run up to the end of the NY legislative session on June 20, the New York Solar Jobs Act has been getting some serious attention in the press. And rightly so considering that if it DOES pass, it’ll be one of the most significant new solar policies to move anywhere in the country this year.

Some top hits from the New York solar bill’s time in the media spotlight:

The New York Times.Celebrating a City’s Solar Muscle.

The Huffington Post. Solar Energy: Time for New York to Get in the Game by NY sports greats Mike Richter & Sage Rosenfels. » Read the rest of this entry «

With just 16 more days before the end of New York’s legislative session, we’re in a race against time to get the New York Solar Job Act across the finish line before state lawmakers go home for the year.

The good news is this campaign to make the Empire State a real solar powerhouse has been moving at a furious pace. As we count down those final days, here is a quick list of our Top 5 Solar Jobs Act highlights: » Read the rest of this entry «

True love and solar power: they have a lot more in common than you might think. Both are exciting, reliable and empowering all at the same time. Both can light up your life. And both need long-term commitment in order to thrive.  And so with our campaign to get New York to commit to solar in full swing, we’re taking a page from the book of TV’s most eligible bachelor – solar’s own Ryan P.

Photo credit: Karina Marchese/REC Solar, Inc.

For those who aren’t already tuning in, Ryan is one of the 25 or so contestants vying for the heart of The Bachelorette this season. And so far, he seems to be lucky in love. In last week’s episode, the 31-year-old Director of Business Development from REC Solar earned the coveted “First Impression” rose.

We like to believe it’s his sexy industry that set him apart. » Read the rest of this entry «

Last week, an impressive 68% of L.A. residents voted to defeat Dirty Energy’s Prop 23. They spoke up, and California’s clean energy economy won big. Meanwhile, L.A. itself continues to get far more electricity from polluting coal than from any other energy resource. It’s time to put the power of Angelenos toward advancing clean energy in their own backyard – starting with a strong solar program.

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