Apple picks single axis trackers and bifacial solar panels (w/pictures!)
Swinerton Renewable Energy is moving to interconnection this week of the 200 MWac / 251 MWdc Techren II facility in Boulder, Nevada. The plant uses NEXTracker single-axis trackers and bifacial solar modules from Canadian Solar and LONGi.
Using machine learning and cheap satellite data to design rooftop solar power
Researchers have built a tool to use cheap satellite imagery – like Google Maps – to automatically create solar designs with a 91% accuracy rate.
Texas confirms public power’s energy storage rights
Municipally owned utilities and electric cooperatives, as of September 1, will have legal affirmation that they’re allowed to own energy storage assets – and not have to register as power generators – within the state.
Hardware brief: $1 million=Dynapower, Morningstar still Morningstar, SMA+BYD=<3 & more!
Its Friday, so build something and be cool! Rainwise has launched a compact professional grade weather station, Sungrow has put out a whitepaper with design tips, and more!
Regulator says lithium-ion batteries create “unacceptable risks”
Arizona regulator Sandra D. Kennedy has filed a review of lithium ion technology’s drawbacks relative to other energy storage technologies, specifically noting hydrogen fluoride release and thermal runaway, in light of two Arizona energy storage battery fires.
SolarEdge built it, the buyers followed
During the second quarter SolarEdge increased manufacturing capacity by 25% and shipped over 3.7 million optimizers, which totaled over 1.3 GWac. This upped revenue 43% year on year, and company officials say they are highly confident in their even larger projected ~70% Q3 revenue growth.
Texas extends tax support for solar power, increases transparency
Governor Abbott has signed 86(R) / HB 3143, which extends the Section 312 economic redevelopment tax abatement law, set to expire Sept 1, for ten years.
Ten days left to register for 500 MW of wind and solar power in Virginia
Dominion Energy is seeking 500 MWac of solar power and onshore wind, the second equally-sized installment of its rolling 3 GW clean energy procurement. The utility wants projects between 5 and 500 MWac, with an intent to bid due on August 15.
Bankrupt PG&E trading time for solar and storage discounts
Pacific Gas and Electric Company has requested that its bankruptcy court judge approve a 10% and 11% reduction on five contracts for solar and storage projects under development, in exchange for extensions ranging from 12 to 24 months to deliver working projects.
California city seeks “community microgrid” to defend against fire season
Calistoga, California has begun a feasibility analysis with Clean Coalition to build a “community microgrid” to power the city during times of high fire danger when PG&E proactively shuts off its power.
