By Guest Writer, Maverick Esser, with an Introduction by Steve Carter, CPA, Assurance & Advisor Principal
ASL Renewable Energy Group
For some reason, I found myself really struggling with finding an interesting topic for this edition of the ASL Advisor. I was hoping to somehow discover a timely topic that impacts us all, yet offers some form of viable solutions to the critical, if not dire, challenges facing our global environment.
In one of my Managerial Accounting classes at Santa Clara University, I was fortunate to have an extremely bright and talented young student who is looking at our world with a unique vision of practicality. In addition, even more exciting and hope raising, he is finding ways to put solutions into action! (more…)
By Steve Carter, CPA, Principal
ASL Renewable Energy Group
In March 2021, President Biden announced his $2.3 trillion infrastructure bill, The American Jobs Plan. The package targets both traditional and non-traditional infrastructure, for example, roads, bridges, and water systems as well as the caregiving industry. The Plan also calls for substantial investments in research and development and expanding broadband internet access to rural areas.
Renewable energy is a focal point of the Plan, from calls to upgrade and modernize existing electrical infrastructure to investing in electric vehicles and clean energy. Part of the Plan looks to involve the private sector while other financing options include tax credits and incentives. (more…)
By Steve Carter, CPA, Principal
ASL Renewable Energy Group
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an array of financial, operational, and production challenges for businesses across many industries. Decreasing demand for products/services, constantly changing government regulations, and erratic consumer spending have left many facing unique challenges. Unfortunately, the renewable energy industry has not escaped the pandemic’s reach. According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA), The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Clean Energy Progress, the pandemic has had an adverse impact on renewable energy investments. Although the causes for the delay are multi-faceted, how the industry recovers and thrives is largely based on government policies and expenditures to implement change. The good news is, several important tax incentives were recently extended and more are awaiting Congressional approval. We have summarized them below. (more…)
By Steve Carter, CPA, Principal
ASL Renewable Energy Group
The focus on transitioning the nation’s energy needs from existing to renewable sources is the shared mission and passion of most renewable energy companies. The process of transforming natural resources into usable energy is a confluence of science, technology, and even user behavior. However, many challenges remain to achieving the objective. One issue which has been preventing broader adoption of this energy source is the inconsistency of weather. While technology allows for very accurate forecasting, it’s not always correct, and this can create “spikes” in the availability of energy. That’s why companies are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help facilitate solutions. AI can help with better micro-grid management, improved reliability, and optimized energy storage. To help clients, prospects and others understand the impact of AI, ASL has provided a summary of key solutions below. (more…)
By Patrick Ngai, CPA, Audit Manager
ASL Renewable Energy Group
Welcome to Part Two of our Introduction to Renewables. Last time (Introduction to Renewables – Part One), we discussed what exactly a renewable certificate is and how it is used to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This time around, we will talk about carbon offsets – the other, more direct method to address GHG emission. (more…)
By Patrick Ngai, CPA, Audit Manager
ASL Renewable Energy Group
The U.S. Renewable Energy Market has been around for some time. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy accounted for about 12% of total primary energy consumption and about 15% of the domestically produced electricity in the United States during 2016. Regardless of the current political climate, there is no denying that public interest in renewables is growing exponentially. (more…)
By Patrick Ngai, CPA, Audit Manager
ASL Renewable Energy Group
Started in 1997, Center for Resource Solution’s (CRS) Green-e Energy Program has become one of the nation’s largest certification programs for the Green Power market today. The Program is governed by two documents: the Green-e Energy National Standard, which provides the requirements for the types of resources that are eligible to generate certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs); and the Green-e Code of Conduct, which dictates how program participants (Participant) can market their certified REC products.
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