All Articles By: Jennifer Nastu

Technology, Gov’t Create a Brighter Future for Small and Mid-Sized Commercial Solar

Growth in the US solar photovoltaic market — US capacity was at 1.183 gigawatts in 2008 compared to 21.3 gigawatts today — has primarily been driven by the residential sector and large-scale initiatives from only the largest corporations, as well as utility companies. For small- and mid-sized businesses, the lack of easy and cost-efficient methods to evaluate and mitigate the risk of solar projects has historically been a significant barrier to entry. But technology is creating a brighter future for small- and mid-sized businesses looking to invest in commercial solar, TechCrunch reports. And the government is seeking to help, as well. Smaller commercial facilities don’t have the economies of scale and other benefits enjoyed by larger corporations, making it more difficult to find investors. But there is a growing trend among both the government and tech companies that hope to make solar energy more affordable for small businesses and home owners. Last fall, small and medium-sized businesses in the UK were being encouraged to take advantage of their Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), a government incentive in which businesses can benefit from 100 percent tax relief until the end of 2015 on up to $798,000 spent on plant or machinery, including onsite renewable energy and solar PV. […]

Meet the Honorees: Natalie Teear, SVP of Sustainability, Hudson Pacific Properties

Meet the Honorees: Natalie Teear, SVP of Sustainability, Hudson Pacific Properties

The Environment+Energy Leader honoree program is an annual list that recognizes environment and energy management “doers.” Here, Natalie Teear explores some of the successful energy management projects her company has executed, tips for building or facility management professionals contemplating similar projects, and how Covid-19 affected the company’s overall sustainability goals.