First of all, we have to commend President Obama for even mentioning solar energy in Tuesday’s State of the Union speech. Considering that the post-Solyndra political landscape for solar is anything but friendly (read my take in the op-ed I wrote for The Washington Post), it can only be good news that the President isn’t backing down on clean energy. He’s still on board, and for that, we’re certainly grateful. In his address, he asked Congress to establish a “clean energy standard” for the nation’s utility companies. Given that this kind of standard is already on the books in most industrialized nations, it’s not an outlandish idea, and one that would certainly benefit renewable energy.

However, what is unclear is exactly what would count as clean. Most likely, nuclear, natural gas and maybe even cleaner coal plants would qualify, which would dilute the positive effects on greenhouse gas emissions that an increase in renewable energy would provide. We would urge lawmakers to consider giving renewables (solar, wind and geothermal) a significant advantage in any legislation regarding clean energy.

Another point that we were happy to see made was that the time has come to end taxpayer subsidies to oil companies. The oil and gas industry still enjoys these incentives long after the need for them has passed. As President Obama urged, it’s time to “doubledown on a clean energy industry that never has been more promising.”  An analysis in 2009 by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that we could create 300,000 new jobs if the US produces just 25 percent of the nation’s electricity with renewables by 2025. This kind of job growth just is not present in the oil industry.

One thing the President made clear; it is time to invest in solar energy. He won’t back down, and neither should we.

- Tony Clifford, Standard Solar CEO

In October of 2011, Standard Solar broke ground on a parking deck solar canopy installation, part of an expansion project to complete the largest photovoltaic installation in Virginia (read the original blog post here).

The 118 kW solar canopy installation at Washington and Lee University’s Lexington, VA campus was linked with the other solar arrays at the University to create the largest solar electric system in the state. The system was switched on earlier this month and is now generating clean, renewable energy for the University. Check out their daily solar data on their web-based dashboard, which features graphic display of the generation for both installations, includes both the ambient and cell temperatures, and provides data on the environmental benefits.

Read more about the system on the Washington and Lee University blog.

Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers, has awarded Standard Energy Solutions the 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award for outstanding customer service – an honor reserved for approximately five percent of the highest rated businesses listed on Angie’s List.

Standard Energy Solutions, the energy efficiency division of Standard Solar Inc. specializing in energy audits and home energy improvements, had to meet strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines to win the annual award.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Standard Energy Solutions can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

“Positive recommendations from satisfied customers are invaluable to every business,” said Rick Berube, Vice President of Operations, Standard Solar. “We are honored to have achieved this kind of reputation within the Angie’s List community.”

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