Most state-permitted U.S. solar and wind projects in 19 states received a timely permit
In 19 states analyzed, permitting processes partially or fully adjudicated at the state level “are not preventing new potential energy from entering the grid,” researchers said.
“Pry open” VPP markets by ensuring VPP providers may access customer data, groups say
Two groups allege that utilities are blocking virtual power plant aggregators from accessing the meter data they need to provide a VPP. The groups call for using antitrust law to “pry open” VPP markets.
Louisiana projected to add 12 GW of utility-scale solar by 2035
A study funded by NextEra Energy projects that Louisiana’s annual solar deployment will decline from 2028 through 2030 due to expiring tax credits and then rise steadily through 2035, with associated employment impacts and tax revenues for local communities.
PJM states could lower electric bills by enabling retail choice with household batteries
As state governors across the PJM grid region “have expressed alarm over capacity prices” that drive up electric bills, retail choice models that can quickly deploy thousands of distributed batteries can make consumers “the primary source of new capacity,” says the author of a new report.
Remote inspection of new residential solar saves time and can improve safety
A report from nonprofit group IREC presents evidence that remote inspection of new residential solar and/or storage installations can yield improved code compliance and safety, compared to on-site inspection. In Texas, installers can hire an approved third-party remote inspector.
Jigar Shah sees virtual power plants as the fastest way for states to stabilize electric bills
States can control the retail cost of electricity by promoting virtual power plants, consisting of distributed batteries and other resources, which can be deployed “within months,” said industry veteran Jigar Shah and a co-author in a report.
National lab assesses alternatives to “direct transfer trip” that can block solar projects
“Direct transfer trip,” a costly approach to ensure that distributed generation shuts down during a power outage, can make solar projects uneconomical. A national lab report points to a combination of inverter-based approaches as a viable alternative.
How battery deployment in the Eastern U.S. could scale as in Texas and California
A study led by two energy lawyers documents the causes of “lagging” battery energy storage deployment in the Eastern U.S. and recommends 15 policy solutions that could help scale BESS deployment.
Doubling the pace of adding solar and storage in the PJM region could save $178 billion by 2035
Adding 78 GW more solar and 54 GW more battery storage in the PJM grid region than projected in a status quo scenario would drive a 20% reduction in system costs and improve reliability through 2035, says a study. The study’s sponsor called for enabling policies to improve interconnection and permitting, with roles for both PJM and states.
New Jersey makes it easier for distributed generation up to 2 MW to interconnect
New Jersey is now a “top ten” state for interconnecting distributed solar and storage, said nonprofit group IREC, as projects with an export capacity of up to 2 MW will now qualify for a more streamlined interconnection process.
