U.S. Bancorp and SolarCity have announced the creation of a renewable energy tax equity fund that will help to initiate the first phase of project SolarStrong, SolarCity’s five-year, nationwide initiative to provide existing privatized military housing with access to affordable solar power.

The U.S. solar industry notched its second-best quarter in history, installing 742 megawatts of solar power in the second quarter of 2012, according to a report from 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.

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

REC Solar, a leader in solar system design and installation, has announced the completion of solar installations totaling 3.5 MW at 12 Arizona public schools. The systems will provide enough power to reduce the schools’ electricity bills by up to 20 percent, said the company.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $46 million has been awarded under his NY-Sun initiative for solar energy projects that will add 52 megawatts to the state’s solar capacity. This announcement follows a year of significant growth for solar installations in the state as a result of the NY-Sun initiative.