Photo: gigoam.com, Katie Fehrenbacher, Jan. 6, 2012

Solar Mosaic is a Kickstarter program that makes is possible to connect investors to solar projects in need of financing. As of Monday, January 7th, Solar Mosaic officially opened their website to residents of California and New York and accredited investors. This company provides the opportunity of a mutual fund for investors in which solar roofs can provide a low risk return, between 4 and 12 percent on an investment. These loans are backed up by the solar electricity produced, which building owners pay for monthly like any other utility bill. According to Solar Mosaic, its first investments will offer a 4.5 percent annual return, including servicing fees, with a a nine-year term. Solar Mosaic is creating an exciting and promising opportunity for investors in up-and-coming solar projects!

Source: Gigaom Solar Mosaic Turns the ‘Kickstarter of Solar’ Into a Way to Make Money

This week I discovered the LowLine, a project that aims to re-purpose an old trolley station into a beautiful, usable underground park. When Dan Barasch and James Ramsey discovered this abandoned station on Delancey Street on the Lower East Side in NYC they immediately saw a vision that would match design and solar technology.

The approach of this project uses the latest in fiber optics to reflect light underground. The use of this green technology will reduce carbon emissions and electricity while providing a refuge for plants, trees and people from the busy urban landscape. A demo of the project just received full funding through KickStarter. We look forward to including this innovative space in a future ASES National Solar Tour. Until then if you want to support the Solar Tour this fall you can learn more here.

Click below to hear more about this visionary solar project.