TSR has updated the website to include our blog as a regular page. All new posts will be found on the Blog page at www.teanawaysolarreserve.com

Now all posts will be included with project information, PV solar descriptions, and updates from TSR. Thanks for reading.

In 2009, these are the states that installed the most combined MW Capacity of grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) solar and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP). Where’s Washington?

1. California 220
2. New Jersey 57
3. Florida 57
4. Arizona 23
5. Colorado 23
6. Hawaii 24
7. New York 12
8. Massachusetts 10
9. Connecticut 9
10. North Carolina 8

These states have increased their load of solar energy projects. TSR can add to the growing solar industry to propel Washington into a leading position in the country and make solar energy a major industry here. Washington talks a lot of talk about environmentalism and the need for green jobs and a green economy; here is our chance to walk the walk.

Find the entire report at www.seia.org

The US Joint Forces Command released the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) 2010 report last month (press release here). The report details a number of different factors for the Joint Forces to base future force growth and development. At the top, energy is a major factor for troop deployment, equipment and vehicles, and cause of global instability, military engagement and the need for defense. The energy summary highlights the declining supply of oil and huge increase in demand. By 2015 we could see a severe shortfall in current oil extraction. The US needs stable, self-created supplies of energy to fill this gap from renewable energy of all kinds.

From the report:

Energy Summary

…

By 2012, surplus oil production capacity could entirely disappear, and as early as 2015, the shortfall in output could reach nearly 10 MBD. Energy production and distribution infrastructure must see significant new investment if energy demand is to be satisfied at a cost compatible with economic growth and prosperity. Efficient hybrid, electric, and flex-fuel vehicles will likely dominate light-duty vehicle sales by 2035 and much of the growth in gasoline demand may be met through increases in biofuels production. Renewed interest in nuclear power and green energy sources such as solar power, wind, or geothermal may blunt rising prices for fossil fuels should business interest become actual investment.

http://www.jfcom.mil/newslink/storyarchive/2010/JOE_2010_o.pdf

Energy is a vital part of national defense and security. The Joint Forces Command recognizes that energy production and resource control is a major factor in the future security of the United States. Investment in new energy sources and projects can help stabilize and ensure US energy production here at home, and end reliance on importing costly and scarce fossil fuels. Solar energy projects can help fill the gap and lead us to better technology that can be used in other projects. The more development we put into this today, the more renewable, self-generated energy we will have tomorrow.

Solar Farm may go before Kittitas County Board of Adjustment as early as June – NKCT April 8

“What we need, is for our citizens, business leaders and elected officials to break down barriers, not put them up.  We need to raise our voices to embrace change in a positive way, not resist it at all cost.  We need to look forward, not continuously in the rear view mirror, longing for the “good old days”.  We need to “Execute” and realize the future, today…”

Read the whole thing here

Public comments are again open and will be accepted through March 22, 2010. TSR asks you to voice your support by sending a brief letter, email or phone call to the Kittitas County Community Development Services office.

Please send comments to:

Dan Valoff

Kittitas County

Community Development Services

411 N. Ruby Street, Ste 2

Ellesnburg WA 98926

 cds@co.kittitas.wa.us

 509-962-7506

 Thanks again for your continued support!

The Teanaway Solar Reserve, LLC has selected Washington-based Potelco Inc., a Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR) company, as an equity partner and contractor for the design and construction.  Teanaway Solar Reserve and Potelco signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which the parties have agreed to negotiate a contract for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the 75 megawatt solar facility that is expected to be the largest PV solar project in the Pacific Northwest to date. Potelco also intends to provide construction financing for the project. The contract and equity arrangements are subject to final terms and conditions to be negotiated. 

For more information on the companies and a full press release, visit the Updates Page on www.teanawaysolarreserve.com

Fact: TSR will NOT be fencing the solar power reserve. We plan to employ a security and monitoring system to watch the approximately 460 acres with panels 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This will provide for easy movement of animals through the entire 900 acres and access from neighbors. We want to work with the community, conservation groups, state departments and federal agencies to protect and manage the plants and animals in the area as well as neighboring private property. Open dialogue and working together as neighbors will better prevent unwanted activity, damage or vandalism than any fence. Due to safety and transmission regulations, the substation will be the only fenced area.

Fiction #9: “TSR will reap significant tax breaks and incentives.”

Fact: TSR is estimating the total cost of this project to be around $300-350 million. This is all money financed and paid for by Teanaway Solar Reserve and its investors. We will be benefiting from an incentive available to all Washington businesses and citizens, a sales tax break on solar projects. RCW 82.08.963  RCW 82.08.962  There is also extra incentive to use Washington made parts and equipment. This applies to machinery and equipment and is a substantial incentive as the testament to the importance of solar power in Washington State. This project is about producing a sustainable (financially and environmentally), utility-scale solar project in the Northwest that will produce clean energy and serve as an example for the future. Additionally, this project will bring in much more revenue for the county to pay for hospitals, roads, schools, and fire management. The construction and permanent jobs will benefit the local community with new, renewable energy positions that can be applied to other projects.

Fact: We are expressly stipulating with the manufacturer that a manufacturing plant must be moved to the Cle Elum area.  Any panel manufacturer under consideration knows this will be part of the deal: jobs for Cle Elum. It is our intention to help grow the Washington market for solar panels by locating a manufacturer here. Washington State law promotes the purchase of solar equipment made in Washington through sales tax breaks. We want Washingtonians to take advantage of this incentive by purchasing locally made and environmentally-sound products. Our initial purchase of 400,000 panels will establish a plant that can continue to manufacture with the demand of future panel buyers for their homes or businesses in Kittitas County, Washington State and the entire United States. We even have had offers from local property owners and looked at locations for a manufacturing plant.