RGS Energy has announced it’s first purchase order for its Powerhouse 3.0 solar roof shingle kit, which follows an announcement of the onset of assembly of solar components and wire harnesses on December 11.

Stanford researchers, using machine learning applied to satellite imagery, have found 1.4 million solar power installations in the United States. The researchers also extracted significant socioeconomic patterns from the data which they say can help to predict future installations.

Nevada regulators have approved six contracts for 1 GWac of solar power coupled with 100 MW / 400 MWh of energy storage. The purchase allows for the retirement of one of the state’s two running coal units.

New York City is installing 50 of Envision’s EV ARC mobile solar-powered EV charging stations with integrated energy storage. The dual axis tracking hardware holds batteries and 9 solar modules.

Sunrun’s Athena, a portfolio of 34,493 solar leases and power purchase agreements totaling $322 million, has been priced and closed at a 5.55% yield.

In part 2 we look at more of some of the action in 2018, from the dramatic growth of the 100% renewable energy movement to California’s mandate for rooftop solar on new homes.

NREL’s Q1 2018 cost report for solar power systems saw a 5% drop in residential costs and a 2.6% fall in commercial, but a 1-2% increase in the utility scale space compared to the previous year.

Between tariffs on everything under the sun, Elon Musk’s $40 million tweet and the boom in energy storage, it’s been one Hell of a year.

CPS Energy has made available up to $2500 per home and 60¢ per watt for business solar installations – with bonuses for locally produced solar modules, and a 25% lower incentive for non-local installers.

As part of the recently approved settlement negotiations associated with the failed VC Summer Nuclear Plant expansion in South Carolina, renewable energy has gained greater PPA and IRP access, and greater market continuity.