Overbuilding solar cheaper than seasonal storage and natural gas in Minnesota
An analysis by Clean Power Research, commissioned by the MN Solar Pathways Initiative, shows that 10% solar by 2025, and 70% wind+solar+storage in 2050 can be achieved at a comparable cost to natural gas-fired generation.
Distributed political power: Mayors for Solar Energy
Environment America’s letter, “Mayors for Solar Energy”, has gotten 216 signatures from from mayors across all 50 of the United States.
Cash is king in residential solar, long live the lease!
A Wood Mackenzie Renewables & Power report shows that so far in 2018, direct ownership of residential solar – either out of pocket or via bank loan – now represents 64% of purchases.
North Carolina community seeks (more than) $250 million solar facility
Adani Solar USA is looking for 2,940 acres of land to build the second largest solar plant east of the Rocky Mountains. Local commissioners are moving prudently, initially stopping progress, but recent town meetings have shown support.
Wind and solar projects pump investment grade portfolio returns
Ullico has purchased part of a 1.3 GW wind+solar portfolio, originally developed and sold by sPower. The transaction, and other optimizations surrounding the portfolio, have increased the return on investment to 13% for one of the investment groups involved.
Solar panels increase grasses for sheep and cows by 90%
Researchers have determined that an Oregon solar facility altered the microclimate variables of mean air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and soil moisture beneath itself significantly – increasing water efficiency, allowing for much greater biomass growth.
Lazard, Lazard, LCOE – what’s the cheapest energy?
Lazard’s newly released Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis 12.0, and Storage 4.0, finds that where utility scale wind works, it dominates – and that the unsubsidized cost to build new utility wind and solar facilities is equal to, and often less than running already-built fossil facilities.
POWERHOUSE to turn on in December
RGS Energy says it expects to deliver its first POWERHOUSE solar shingles in December. The company did not accept deposits for its $127 million in written reservations, but now that UL approval is in they’re soliciting those groups for cash deposits.
Enphase sold out into 2019, with improved margins
Enphase’s 3rd quarter results saw revenues at $78 million with an estimated $10 million sales shortfall due to a component shortage, as the company shipped 204 MW of inverters. Future speculation saw an international play on the IQ8, the SunPower partnership, and energy storage driving growth.
Washington State carbon tax rejected soundly, again
Initiative Measure No. 1631, a tax of $15/ton on carbon pollution, was rejected 56-43% on almost 2 million votes. It was the most expensive ballot measure ever in the state with over $46 million in advertising dollars spent.
