Cuomo signs mega mandate for renewables, a Montana hollerin’ match, more! : pvMB 7/19/19

It’s a scorcher out there – but at least its a Friday! Today we have the recommendation of a utility leader on how to make solar customers “go away”, new hires at SunPin Solar and EQ Research, and more!

July 19, 2019 John Fitzgerald Weaver, Tim Sylvia and Christian Roselund

Image: Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Cuomo signs the renewable energy bill to rule them all – Yesterday New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) signed what we have described as the biggest, baddest renewable energy mandate in the nation, which we calculate will mean installing 23 GW of new solar by 2030. Your move, California. Source: Office of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

Hanwha Q Cells launches all-black half cut module with 25-year warranty – U.S. solar customers can now get their hands on the The Korean/German PV maker’s Q.PEAK DUO-G6+ module, made in the company’s new Georgia factory, which is the largest module manufacturing plant in the Western Hemisphere. Source: Hanwha Q Cells

A Montana Judge recently made a series of rulings on PURPA solar power projects, making comments against actions of one specific Public Service Commissioner due to that commissioners very public comments. Now said commissioner, PSC Commissioner Roger Koopman, has spoken up again per the Missoula Current:

I am sensitive to the fact that this judge essentially indicated that we arrived at these things because we are biased. I come to the conclusion, on the record, that it’s much more likely that the judge came to his ruling on the basis of bias.

To make conclusions here that ‘Gosh we got it all wrong because a judge thinks that we’re biased. I think it’s the example of when you point the finger, there’s three pointed back at you.

That’s three fingers – not just one!

Multiple new hires in the industry – congratulations folks:

Sunpin Solar: Mark Guzman as Director of Power Marketing
EQ Research: James Van Nostrand as Energy Policy Expert
State of North Carolina: 8,912 solar power employees, 1,344 in storage and 110,913 in clean jobs overall

EQ Research GRC update – Oh boy, oh boy, it’s Christmas in July, as EQ Research has released it’s 2018-2019 general rate case update, outline the major utility rate cases that have been opened and closed in the past year. The three largest revenue increases proposed in the past year were filed by the largest utilities: PG&E in California ($1.1 billion, excluding the impact of its subsequent request to dramatically increase its authorized return on equity due to wildfire risk), Georgia Power in Georgia ($942 million), and Con Edison in New York ($485 million). Oh and special shoutout to AEP subsidiary Indiana Michigan Power, which requested an a $36 per month residential bill increase. Do yourself a favor and read the whole report, I beseech you. Source: EQ Research

KC brewery goes solar with operating lease – “Boulevard Brewing Company is the largest specialty brewery in the Midwest. Their new 200-Kilowatt solar array, an addition to Boulevard’s existing solar portfolio, is in keeping with Boulevard’s sustainability objectives. According to Karel De Backer, VP Finance & Administration at Boulevard Brewing Company, “Stan and Al of Cleanview Capital have been amazing in helping us find the most cost-efficient way to finance our solar panel system. They provided us upfront with detailed information about our financing options, were very responsive to all our questions, showed flexibility when it was needed, and we wrapped up the project in record time. We will for sure work with them again on future projects.” Source: Cleanview Capital

With so many utilities doing their best to pretend that they are not fighting rooftop solar tooth and nail, it’s almost a relief to hear their real feelings once in a while.

https://twitter.com/scotthomasson/status/1151906840214724614

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