John Fitzgerald Weaver
Why $0.25 per kWh electricity makes off-grid solar & batteries a smart investment
Once electricity prices hit $0.25/kWh, disconnecting from the grid with residential solar-plus-storage starts to become financially viable, with sunny places making strong financial arguments. With recent drops in battery prices, the case for leaving the grid has grown even stronger.
Solar plan under development for Love Canal chemical site
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is developing a plan for solar at the site of one of America’s worst chemical disasters in U.S. history.
Solar generation up 26%, but electricity demand outpaces growth
In 2024, the U.S. power grid’s electricity generation increased by over 109 TWh through the end of July, marking a 4.5% growth. This surge was led by a 52 TWh increase in methane generation, while solar power contributed an additional 36 TWh.
Solar-plus-storage dominating future U.S. power grid
A report from Berkeley Lab reveals a significant expansion of solar-plus-storage facilities in the U.S. power plant market, highlighting an evolution from frequency to arbitrage and curtailment mitigation markets. The best is yet to come, as ongoing price decreases are still being absorbed by the market and are already being used to fill the interconnection queues with terrawatts of capacity.
Government nuclear sites across U.S. going solar
Hecate Energy is working on a 1 GW solar facility at Hanford, a former nuclear weapon manufacturing site, while NextEra is negotiating to build solar at a nuclear storage facility in New Mexico. Both companies aim to develop solar projects on government lands that were formerly and are still used for nuclear weapons and energy infrastructure.
Robots, sheep, SCADA, and more: Highlights from RE+ 2024
On day three at RE+ 2024 in Anaheim we saw the integration of natural agricultural processes alongside sophisticated solar technologies, with other exhibitors presenting everything from advanced hand tools to complex solar module manufacturing systems.
RE+ 2024: Dragon scales, power ties, emergency chargers, and more
As the largest energy conference in North America expanded beyond the Anaheim Convention Center, attendees explored auxiliary venues scattered across seven locations.
A-Frames, weather stations, batteries, and more – highlights from RE+ 2024, Day 1
RE+ 2024 in Anaheim kicked off with 45,000 registered attendees exploring more than 1,350 booths, showcasing an expanding solar industry, with batteries now stepping into the spotlight.
Net metering saved in Wyoming, for now
The state Supreme Court overruled the Public Service Commission’s attempt to
change the longstanding net metering law, which would have reduced compensation for “customer-generators” from the full retail rate to the avoided cost rate.
Ohio approves 110 MW solar and 20 MW energy storage facility
The solar and storage facility will be co-located with the 250 MW Scioto Ridge Wind Farm, following the signing of a 40-year land lease agreement.
