If you build it, they will buy it: sPower refinances $499 million of wind and solar
The independent power producer has closed on a $499 million, investment grade, private placement financing representing approximately 650 MW of utility-scale wind and solar power projects.
Locals suing for net metering, utility wants scale and energy storage
Jacksonville, Florida’s municipal utility has gotten rid of net metering and lowered the rate paid for excess solar produced electricity. Concurrently, the utility is pushing larger scale solar and energy storage programs.
American-Made Challenge gets five generals
NREL has chosen five companies to help administer the America-Made Solar Prize, a program whose stated goal is to develop U.S.-based solar manufacturing. These five companies receive contracts of $100,000 each for their services.
Solar installation costs declined 5 to 11% in 2017, little so far in 2018
This year’s version of Berkeley Lab’s Tracking the Sun report saw residential installs fall 6% to $3.50 / W, small business fall 11% to $2.90 / W and large business fell 5% to $2.20 /W in 2017, with light changes in early 2018. However, these averages cover wide price variances in different markets.
Floating solar power gets 10 year fixed lease for California municipality
Ciel & Terre has completed its fourth and largest system in the United States for a California municipal waterworks. The project is also one of four floating solar projects, totaling 5.3 MW, to be completed in the nation this summer.
Agrovoltaics: a solar-powered safety net for Massachusetts farmers
The long-term, steady income of solar power complements the higher revenue, but harder work of traditional farming. The Massachusetts SMART program looks to increase this trend with “agrovoltaic” incentives for solar co-located with crops.
Arizona utility pushes smarter energy use to maximize daytime solar power
Arizona Public Service has announced three new residential energy programs hoping to financially motivate customers to use cheaper daytime electricity via HVAC, energy storage and hot water heaters.
$170 million of solar power coming to East Texas
Australian real estate developer Lendlease is pushing forward on a 200 MW solar power project. No electricity off taker has been noted, but the project has secured town approval and a tax abatement.
World’s largest rooftop solar system – first image from Tesla
Tesla has released an image of its solar powered rooftop, which is currently under construction. It is now clear that the system will be the world’s largest at 70 MW.
Sol Systems put a ring on it
A joint venture of Sol Systems and Nationwide Insurance has purchased 135 MW-DC of solar projects from Cypress Creek Renewables in North Carolina.
