Notice has been received by Clay Butler, Founding Partner, The Butler Firm, and chair of the TREIA
Policy Committee, of his acceptance for participation in Energy Execs, the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory’s 2012 Executive Energy Leadership Program.

The Energy Execs provides in-depth training conducted over five two-day sessions from May through
September. These sessions will occur at the NREL main campus in Golden, CO and the surrounding
area. Course content includes overviews of technologies, market assessments, analytical tools, and
financial information. Briefings by technology experts, tours of research laboratories, and visits to
renewable energy installations round out the agenda.

“The renewable energy industry is facing exceptionally challenging times,” said Butler. “As head of a law
practice that focuses on this industry, and in my role as TREIA Policy Committee chair, being broadly
knowledgeable in related technology, business, and policy issues is critical. Energy Execs will provide me
with information and insights that will help me more effectively fulfill both roles.”

Energy Execs selects a small number of the applicants from across the country. In 2011 there were but
20 accepted into the program. This facilitates a more intensive educational experience for the lucky few.
“I’m pleased that Clay has been given this exceptional opportunity,” said Russel Smith, TREIA Executive
Director. “He’ll be learning from some of the nation’s top renewable energy experts, side-by-side with
some of its brightest leaders in government and industry. I know he feels he’ll be better armed to take on
what lies ahead as TREIA prepares for the 2013 legislative session.”

Date: May 16, 2012. To register go to http://www.straffordpub.com/products/epc-agreements-in-solar-energy-projects-2012-05-16.

The Solar Industry Hosts Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum

Defining candidate expectations of Austin’s energy future, of industrial and job development, and other issues of importance!

Why:

The solar industry is close to an inflection point where businesses and outside investors are choosing where to invest and create jobs.  The candidate forum will give Austin voters and local businesses an opportunity to hear directly from mayoral and city council candidates on their views and plans for the solar industry; providing low-cost clean energy, jobs and economic development to our community.

Solar Austin, Solar Austin Foundation and local solar businesses sponsor this event. This consortium of solar advocatesare collaborating with Austin Energy, the Chamber of Commerce and City Council to increase clean, affordable, waterproof electricity and grow a vibrant solar industry that generates income and jobs for the Austin community.  Solar Austin is a non-profit organization working to accelerate the transition to clean renewable energy, building healthy communities, strong economies, and energy independence.  Solar Austin has been recognized with four local, state and national awards for its successful advocacy

The answer to Texans’ growing demand for power may be held about 50 miles south of Amarillo in man-made salt caverns. Generators will use wind-generated electricity, mostly at night when power demands are low and prices are cheapest, to compress air into salt caverns that will be carved 2,000 feet below the surface. As the demand for electricity rises during the day, the process is reversed. A mixture of compressed air and a small amount of natural gas would generate power.

More…

The Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians have all installed photovoltaic (PV) solar systems at their ballparks. The Minnesota Twins, the Royals and the Mariners are also leading a move to smarter, greener ballpark by utilizing more efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems and helping fans recycle food containers.

More…

Solar inverter company Enphase Energy and clean fuel firm Luca Technologies both plan to go public this week, suggesting that the insdustry is starting to recover from large-scale bankruptcies last year by Solyndra and Beacon Power. Last year, there were 54 clean-technology IPOs globally – down from 98 IPOs in 2010. Additional IPOs this year are likely to come from smart-grid network providers, LED lighting companies and energy-efficient material makers.

More…

Nearly 3,000 PV solar panels will help power about 300 homes in the Fort Hood Liberty Village housing development. The project cost $3 million and was paid for by the private contractor that owns the housing area and federal tax credits. It will supply about 20 percent of the energy needs of the military families living there. Officials with Universal Services Fort Hood Inc. say they plan to recoup the cost through energy savings over the next two decades.

More…

With the unlikely extension of  the wind energy’s production tax credit and the loss of the solar industry’s 1603 cash grant provision, the future of the renewable energy prices are questionable. To stay competitive with the $4.50/MMBtu natural gas price, the  capital cost of wind projects would need to be at least 35 percent lower and the cost of solar projects would need to decrease by an even greater amount.

More…

The wind-power market is expected to grow more slowly than prior estimates, causing some consulting firms to cut forecasts through 2016. The global downgrades are laregely caused by three factors:  a U.S.  cash-grant program that ended last year and the expiring Production Tax Credit; suspended clean-energy incentives in Spai; and an Indian tax break for wind farms set to expire on March 31.

More…