NEXTracker CEO challenges solar projections from Energy Information Administration
“EIA’s projections greatly underestimate the growth of solar and significantly overestimate coal’s persistence in the energy mix,” says Dan Shugar, CEO of NEXTracker.
Victory for solar as Kansas Supreme Court blocks fixed fee for distributed power
The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that a fixed fee for distributed solar customers violates state law. Vote Solar and Sierra Club brought the case, with representation from Earthjustice.
HVDC transmission helps wind but may not help solar
A $2.5 billion Midwestern HVDC transmission project to carry mostly wind power has gained major new investments, which help validate the technology. But an HVDC transmission project that would primarily drive more solar capacity is yet to be identified.
Solar and storage would cost less than Alabama Power’s proposed 1.9 GW of gas units
An Alabama industry association and citizens’ groups say regulators should reject Alabama Power’s request to build more gas capacity.
Arizona commission signals support for 100% clean energy by 2050
Arizona could join 16 other states and territories that have targets of 100% clean or renewable electricity by 2050 or sooner. Thirty-two groups in Arizona have called for 50% renewables by 2030.
How to get a job building utility-scale solar
As more utility-scale solar installations are announced in more states, solar contractors are hiring people who are new to the industry, and offering on-the-job training and long-term employment.
Texas retail choice design bests 13 other states in driving solar power
Retail choice is associated with lower retail prices for electricity, but only in Texas does it help drive more renewable power, says a Wind Solar Alliance report.
SunPower to sell 11 MW of capacity in New England’s grid
SunPower has joined Sunrun in committing to sell capacity to the New England grid by aggregating household solar installations.
Hydrogen is the first viable option for seasonal storage
Compressed hydrogen is “the first viable option” to help meet wintertime electricity demand in a high-renewables grid, says DNV GL, a global consulting firm.
Solar could be installed on coalfields in West Virginia if The Nature Conservancy succeeds
Some former surface coal mines in central Appalachia could be repurposed for solar development. The Nature Conservancy, a global land conservancy with $1 billion in annual revenues, is exploring the options.
