To make room for more distributed PV, harmonize smart inverter settings
New opportunities for distributed PV could be accelerated by reaching early agreement on settings for smart inverters, which are expected to become widely available in the next two years. A consulting firm explains, and offers its recommendations.
Current wireless technology may be adequate for communicating with distributed solar and storage
A study advised by seven electric utilities found that current “long-term evolution” (LTE) wireless broadband technology may be adequate for sending signals to control, or guide, the operations of distributed solar and storage resources.
49 GW of solar for Virginia: lower bills, more jobs, cleaner air
Adding at least 49 GW of solar through 2050 would save Virginia consumers money, according to an independent modeling run of the state’s grid. Thousands of jobs would be added, and public health would improve.
You too can model solar, wind and storage deployment
NREL has made its capacity planning model freely available for anyone to use. The model can optimize the amounts of solar, wind and storage to be added to the U.S. electric grid. Documentation is included, but a powerful computer and additional software are required.
SEIA aims for solar installations to grow 18% per year through 2030
SEIA worked with 100 leaders in the solar and storage industries to develop a 12-year strategic plan, which covers all the bases. Yet funding is inadequate to pursue all strategies immediately, so some strategies must wait.
Talking up a rapid renewables transition will get us there faster
Two potentially “self-fulfilling” energy transition narratives are in competition, says a World Economic Forum report. Only one, the “rapid narrative,” would help us limit global warming to the Paris Agreement goal of “well below two degrees Celsius.”
Gas favored over solar as Memphis utility considers TVA exit
Memphis is studying the potential to save money by exiting its contract with TVA. At issue is how much solar and storage to include in any new generating portfolio.
States could save consumers billions with solar, by requiring transparent utility modeling
Many utilities prepare resource plans using biased modeling choices that disadvantage low-cost solar. With transparent utility modeling, states and intervenors could easily see the bias. And if they also have access to the same model used by the utility, they can fix the errors by running the model themselves.
SEIA shreds DTE Energy’s resource plan
2 GW more solar in the near term would save DTE’s Michigan customers $100 million. DTE proposes only 11 MW of near-term solar, or less than one percent of the optimal amount.
Arizona’s potential to develop unbiased 15-year resource plans is up for grabs
An Arizona regulator has advocated for using a modeling tool being developed by Arizona State University, to help the state plan how to phase in more renewable energy. Yet the university’s initial plan for the modeling tool would not serve that purpose well.
