John Fitzgerald Weaver
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.
12 GW of utility-scale solar deployed in first half of 2024, doubling 2023
The Energy Information Administration reports that 20.2 GW of electricity generation capacity was deployed in the U.S. in the first half of 2024, with solar energy leading and energy storage also seeing significant deployments. Fossil fuel retirements exceeded new fossil constructions more than tenfold.
U.S. module manufacturers seek “critical” retroactive tariffs
Led by First Solar and Hanwha Q Cells, U.S. solar module manufacturers have filed allegations with the Commerce Department, citing “critical circumstances” and suggesting increased module imports due to their previous lawsuit filings.
What happens when solar is installed without homeowner’s permission
A Connecticut couple and several companies including Sunrun have been sued by the state’s Attorney General for forging signatures, faking a voices, and unlawfully installing solar panels on a home without the owners’ consent.
Rhode Island passes new consumer protections for solar industry amid rising concerns
Governor McKee has signed new legislation protecting consumers from aggressive sales practices by door-to-door solar salespeople. Compliance includes federal background checks, disclosure of savings documentation, and detailed breakdowns of lease versus cash system pricing.
