Model procedures for fixing distributed solar and storage interconnection
Any state could adopt current “best practices” for interconnecting distributed solar and storage by instituting model procedures published by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, the group suggests in a report.
GridLab 100% clean reliable grid study uses scrubbed data from utility PNM
New Mexico utility PNM has three possible pathways—all relying on a high percentage of wind and solar generation—to reach 100% clean electricity while maintaining reliable service, found a study by the non-profit consultancy GridLab and a team of experts.
New York provides pre-development support for solar and storage for LMI housing
A New York State program helps bring solar power to low- and moderate-income (LMI) housing by providing pre-development grants and technical assistance. The Clean Energy States Alliance considers the program a model for other states.
Scientists outline innovation pathways for PV technologies
Continued innovation in PV cell technology will have major impacts as PV is deployed at “multi-terawatt scale” over the next two decades, says a global team of scientists.
Stiff competition predicted for USDA $9.7 billion focused on renewables
Modeling shows that five of the nation’s 63 rural generation and transmission cooperative utilities alone could cost-effectively install 19 GW of solar and 7 GW of storage with support from a USDA program.
Bonneville Power plans transmission upgrades to connect 6 GW of solar, wind
The transmission utility serving Washington and Oregon plans six transmission projects to carry power from 6 GW of new solar and wind projects to urban load centers. Seventy GW of solar and wind projects are waiting in the utility’s interconnection queue.
Interfaith group uses moral suasion to advance solar power for Philadelphia
A Philadelphia interfaith group seeks to persuade the utility serving the region to contract for more solar and wind power. Pennsylvania’s renewable generation ranks 45th out of 50 states, said the group’s executive director.
Solar-plus-storage evaluated for resilience at seven Florida community health centers
Solar-plus-storage systems at any of the nation’s 14,000 community health centers can keep them running through power outages, and preserve medications requiring refrigeration. A Florida study evaluated the systems’ health care value and the financial return.
DOE awards $90 million for adoption of latest building energy efficiency codes
The grants will result in more energy-efficient buildings, a key element of a least-cost strategy for 100% renewables.
A new public utility for Maine would speed clean energy, say advocates
A Maine referendum would create a new publicly owned utility that could purchase and operate the assets of the state’s two investor-owned utilities. Advocates say that would speed Maine’s path to 80% renewables by 2030.
