Young engineers powering the renewables transition
Enthusiasm for solar, wind, and storage is common among electrical engineering students, according to two industry experts, while “advanced” utilities look to hire graduates to integrate renewables and storage.
Corporate buyers of solar electricity face price risk
Corporations that lock in a fixed purchase price for solar power, offset by sale of the power at varying wholesale rates, could face “significant financial downside,” says an advisory group, as more solar on the grid could drive down wholesale prices.
Ten sunniest states added 1.8 GW of small-scale solar
Contractors in California, Arizona and Texas built almost 90% of this capacity. Policy groups in the 10 states aim for fair rates for solar customers, plus community solar. “Snapshot stories” included.
Midwestern and Northern Tier contractors put up 250 MW of small-scale solar
Contractors in Indiana, Washington, Illinois and Iowa put up half of that total, while groups work to expand opportunities state by state. “Snapshot stories” included.
North Carolina groups call for end to utility monopoly, 100% renewable energy
Their petition calls on elected officials to transition the state to 100% renewables; end Duke Energy’s monopoly on generation; refuse to accept campaign contributions from the utility; and appoint citizen-oriented utility commissioners.
Solar, wind and storage can provide seven key grid services
Solar, wind and storage can provide 7 essential grid services, which will help enable them to gain an ever-increasing share of electricity generation.
Northeastern installers put up 902 MW of distributed solar
Installers in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey stole the show, while good prospects are seen for advancing solar in the region, especially in New York and Maine. Snapshot stories included.
Southeastern installers put up 242 MW of distributed solar
While installers in Florida added the most distributed solar last year, South Carolina leads on a per-capita basis, and Georgia, North Carolina and Louisiana round out the leaderboard. Snapshot stories included.
New communications profile will access distributed solar’s capabilities
The profile permits standardized communications between a utility (or aggregator) and distributed solar and storage resources. The profile will permit access to an expansive set of solar and storage capabilities.
Portland utility proposes $1/kWh incentive for residential peak shaving
The utility aims for at least 66% participation in a residential demand response pilot. It also gives customers the option of moving to a lower rate structure by allowing the utility to automatically reduce their consumption during peak periods.
