NV Energy faces a fine, MiaSolé’s world record solar efficiency: pvMB 7/10/19

NV Energy facing fine for failing to put aside money for batteries – The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUC) has opened a proceeding against NV Energy, claiming that the utility failed to set aside a mandated $10 million in funds meant to incentivize the development of both residential and large-scale energy storage facilities. In defense, NV Energy is claiming that the utility thought that funding was a “consideration rather than a hard set-aside.” Source: Utility Dive

MiaSolé world record flexible solar efficiency – “MiaSolé announced that the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has independently confirmed a 17.44 [DP1] percent aperture area efficiency on a commercial size flexible PV module (aperture area 1.08m2).  This achievement was recognized as a new certified record large area CIGS module in the latest Progress in Photovoltaics compendium of PV records (Prog Photovolt Res Appl. 2019;27:565–575) The cells and record module were made using the MiaSolé production lines in Santa Clara, CA. MiaSolé’s cell manufacturing process deposits CIGS on a flexible substrate using high-speed physical vapor deposition (PVD) that produces high-efficiency solar cells in a continuous and high throughput process[DP2].” Source: MiaSolé

California Senators call for solar + storage inclusion in comprehensive wildfire prevention bill – Five California Senators, in a letter to Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, have called for rooftop solar and storage to be included in any future wildfire response bill. The demand is partially in response to PG&E’s involvement in this past winter’s wildfires that ravaged the state. The call for action is highlighted by demands of: 

• A statewide prohibition on discriminatory, anti-competitive fees used to discourage distributed energy resources (DER) customers and operators.
• Clarification that the Self-Generation Incentive Program will be funded at the maximum level allowed by law
• Standardized and streamlined processes to ensure timely and cost-effective interconnection of DERs to the grid.

Source: Solar Builder Mag

Housing project for low-income veterans goes solar – “American Family Housing (AFH), a nonprofit organization that provides housing and related services to low-income and homeless families and adults in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, is pleased to announce the addition of solar to its nationally acclaimed Potter’s Lane project. On Tuesday, July 16, GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit solar energy installer and job trainer, will install solar panels over the newly constructed carports at Potter’s Lane. “With a core mission to provide solar energy to underserved communities, GRID Alternatives was a natural fit for our project,” said Milo Peinemann, AFH’s chief executive officer. “What’s even better is GRID Alternatives will use this project as a classroom environment for veterans seeking a career in solar installation. It doesn’t get much better than that.” Potter’s Lane was the nation’s first permanent supportive housing community that utilized repurposed shipping containers to create apartments for homeless military veterans.” The facade of the award-winning project can be seen in the image above. Source: American Family Housing

Citadel Roofing & Solar partners with Capital Roof Dynamics – “Citadel Roofing & Solar today announced a strategic partnership with Solar Roof Dynamics (SRD), a national solar equipment and services provider based in Davis, California. Through this alliance, Citadel will tap SRD’s resources, including back office services and supplier relationships, to support Citadel’s rapidly growing solar and roofing business. Aaron Nitzkin, founder and CEO of SRD, will assume additional responsibilities as Citadel’s Executive Vice President of Solar. He will oversee the company’s continued growth into the residential, small commercial and new home construction markets; and spearhead its efforts to strengthen its foothold as a leading roofing and solar subcontractor to homebuilders in preparation for California’s new home solar mandate.” Source: Citadel Roofing and Solar

Data center provider T5DC breaks into solar – T5 Construction Services, the construction arm of the data center development business, T5 Data Centers, have partnered with Cherry Street Energy to provide construction services for Cherry Street’s commercial solar array portfolio. Through the move, T5CS is aiming to advance the company’s green energy service-line and renewable energy expertise. Source: T5 Construction Services

kWh Analytics closes solar revenue put for 23 MW projects – “kWh Analytics today announced the first contract for differences (“CFD”) supported by the Solar Revenue Put. The 23 MWdc Grand Ridge Solar project, located in La Salle County, Illinois, was refinanced with the Solar Revenue Put protecting cashflows. Grand Ridge is owned and operated by Invenergy, a leading privately held developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions. The project is being funded by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), a Japanese financial services company. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, a leading global corporate insurer, provided capacity for the Solar Revenue Put. The Solar Revenue Put is structured as an insurance policy on solar production and revenues, which serves as a credit enhancement for financial investors. Using its proprietary actuarial model and risk management software (“HelioStats”), kWh Analytics developed the Solar Revenue Put to drive down investment risk and encourage development of clean, low-cost solar energy.” Source: kWh Analytics

Nant Solar deploys batteries for 12 businesses – By deploying NantEnergy SmartStorage systems, 12 businesses across California and New Mexico are set to save $3.6 million on their energy bills over the next 10 years. The batteries also provide power in emergency response and in the event of the increasingly-common blackouts plaguing the area. Source: Nant Solar

And to end your morning, a little reflection on the power of policy:

https://twitter.com/mmc_UNC/status/1148635424702763009