IKEA has powered up the solar energy system installed at its store in Portland, Ore. The 62,500-square-foot solar photovoltaic (PV) array is a 497.3-kW system, built with 2,072 panels. IKEA Portland’s system will produce approximately 568,900 kWh of clean electricity annually.

Not all energy-efficient HVAC equipment qualifies for tax credits, but there are four renewable energy product categories that do — geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, solar energy systems, and fuel cells. Though some seem beyond HVAC, they each have the potential to bring new revenue streams to contractors.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved legislation promoting the growth of solar energy in the state. The package of bills, all related to tax exemption of solar projects in New York, was applauded by the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®).

While the price of energy continues to rise, more homeowners are seeking energy independence through renewable energy sources including solar energy. In turn, a growing number of HVAC contractors are adding solar installations, solar thermal technology, solar-equipped air conditioning units, and more to their repertoire.

Solar3D Inc., developer of a new three-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize conversion of sunlight into electricity, has announced the successful fabrication and operation of a working three-dimensional solar cell that the company says produces at least 250 percent of the power of a basic silicon solar cell.

Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling announced that it is now providing solar energy solutions for homes in Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware.

Flat-plate solar collectors 3000 SU VIP and W8 2.5 S VIP are extremely economical energy producers that enable the simple use of free solar energy. The solar collectors are effective for heating of utility and pool water and for supporting low-temperature central heating systems.

Representatives from the Hemet Unified School District, Tioga Energy, Johnson Controls, De Lage Landen, and Wells Fargo & Co. gathered in Hemet, Calif., to celebrate the completion of 17 solar electric systems for district schools that are expected to save the district approximately $300,000 in utility costs annually.

As part its SunShot Initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $29 million investment in four solar energy projects. These projects are aimed at improving grid connection and reducing installation costs through plug-and-play technologies and reliable solar power forecasts.

SolarCity has been honored by Inc. magazine with its ‘Hire Power’ award that recognizes the top job creators in the United States. SolarCity ranked among the Top 10 out of a list of 100 private companies that were credited for generating the largest number of American jobs in the past three years.