Many large-scale renewable energy projects in the United States depend on government research and funding. These projects offer ample opportunity for installers and solar EPCs, but they also come with stipulations.
The federal government’s efforts also include actively investing in solar energy projects to create jobs and promote clean energy installations across numerous projects. We gathered some of the latest on government projects, research, and future plans in the solar industry.
This information may seem a bit overwhelming, so here is the TLDR:
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced two solar projects to supply renewable energy to five military installations in North and South Carolina.
The Department of the Interior is investing $19 million in new solar panel installations over canals in California, Oregon, and Utah, aiming to generate renewable energy and conserve water.
Washington State received $156 million in federal funds for various solar energy projects, further bolstering job creation and sustainability initiatives.
These efforts include research and implementation to ensure that the numerous large-scale solar projects are completed safely and efficiently. These investments by the federal government are worth following for solar contractors because they create potential business expansion opportunities.
DoD Solar Projects in North & South Carolina
In early June 2024, the DoD announced a partnership with Duke Energy for five large-scale carbon-free projects in North and South Carolina, aligning with President Biden's Executive Order 14057. Two of these projects will purchase all solar energy output from new solar facilities in South Carolina, contributing to the federal goal of 100% Carbon Pollution-Free Electricity by 2030.
Here are the key details of this initiative:
Partnership between DoD and Duke Energy
Collaboration to develop large-scale carbon-free energy projects.
Focus on enhancing sustainability and meeting federal energy goals.
Five large-scale carbon-free projects in North and South Carolina
Aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy.
Projects to contribute significantly to local and federal sustainability efforts.
Two projects to purchase all solar energy output from new solar facilities in South Carolina
Ensuring a steady supply of renewable energy.
Supporting local energy infrastructure with clean power sources.
Goal of achieving 100% Carbon Pollution-Free Electricity for federal operations by 2030
Part of the Federal Sustainability Plan.
Aimed at transitioning all federal government operations to renewable energy sources.
Focus on catalyzing clean energy industries and jobs through federal sustainability
Encouraging the growth of clean energy sectors.
Creating job opportunities in renewable energy industries.
Emphasis on building a stronger, cleaner, and more reliable energy grid for customers in the Carolinas
Addressing growing energy needs due to population and business growth.
Ensuring energy reliability and sustainability for all customers.
Solar Canal Projects in California, Oregon, and Utah
The Biden-Harris administration's $19 million investment in solar panel installations over canals in California, Oregon, and Utah will create many jobs in the solar industry. These projects, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will generate employment opportunities in constructing, maintaining, and operating the solar installations. The initiative aims to boost local economies, support the clean energy workforce, and contribute to sustainability efforts by enhancing solar panel efficiency, minimizing land use, and conserving water, simultaneously addressing climate sustainability and economic growth.
Solar Research & Implementation
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing $9.5 million to study the social dynamics of large-scale solar siting and permitting. This initiative addresses concerns and land use issues, which are hindering solar project permit approvals. By making the solar permitting process more efficient and reducing delays, this effort will encourage more solar installations, creating many jobs in the solar industry. The goal is to ensure that these projects benefit communities equitably and support local economic growth, aligning with the Biden-Harris administration’s focus on clean energy and job creation.
Government Investments Secure Future Jobs For Solar Installers
The U.S. federal government is making many strides toward a green energy future that is beneficial for the environment and the economy. Staying in the loop regarding new investments and laws is essential for installers looking to work on big solar projects. The opportunity to work on government projects will also be great for keeping up with updates in green tech and solar, as a lot of the research is being done on government funding. Being considered for these projects may require writing a solar RFP response.
Partner With GreenLancer for Large Scale Solar Projects
Contractors can find it challenging to take on commercial solar energy projects, including solar system design, engineering, and permitting. In-house expertise can boost overhead, so working with the GreenLancer network is an excellent way to cut costs while ensuring excellent quality.
GreenLancer also supports solar contractors by assisting with SolarAPP+ applications, a new web-based permitting platform created to streamline and automate the solar plan review and residential solar permitting process in certain municipalities. By utilizing GreenLancer's expertise and the ease of SolarAPP+ in the municipalities where it is available, contractors can simplify their solar permitting needs.
The GreenLancer platform includes licensed engineers in all 50 states. Create an account for free to begin shopping for permit-ready plan sets, engineering stamps, and interconnection applications.
Comments