Report: Chinese module imports climbed sharply in Q4
1,200%. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, that’s how high imports of Chinese modules rose in the fourth quarter last year in a desperate attempt to stockpile sufficient numbers before tariffs choked off international supplies.
Michigan solar total remains low among renewable energy options
The total volume of PV in Michigan remains small for the size of the state, especially as a percentage of renewable energy, as reported by state regulator.
Department of Energy helps Florida reduce solar soft costs
As residential PV installed costs remain high and import tariffs loom, the U.S. Department of Energy’s SolSmart program is helping a county and localities in Florida reduce permit costs and cut red tape in the installation process.
PJM seeks a middle course in capacity markets
The PJM regional transmission organization has come up with a proposal that will determine the impact of certain kinds of subsidies in power generation capacity auctions as well as the parties offering them.
National laboratories issue study on growing flexibility and variability of power generators
Lawrence Berkeley and Argonne National Laboratories examine the growth of solar, wind and natural gas power plant operations on wholesale power markets and the impact on nuclear and coal generators.
Lazard shows ongoing cost declines in solar (w/ charts)
The consultancy’s 2017 study finds that the global cost of utility-scale solar has reached an unsubsidized LCOE of under $50 per megawatt-hour, making new solar cost-competitive with running existing coal or nuclear plants.
California’s big utilities to reach 50% renewable energy in 2020
PG&E, SDG&E and SCE are expecting to meet the state’s ambitious 50% target 10 years early, with contract prices for utility-scale solar projects falling to below $30/megawatt-hour (MWh).
NV Energy seeks approval for $31-$34/MWh solar PPAs
The Nevada utility is seeking regulatory approval for three solar PPAs totaling 100 MW-AC, which have the lowest prices seen by pv magazine staff in the United States to date.
Big Apple to get big multi-family solar
The largest private rental development in Manhattan will get the largest collection of rooftop solar on a multi-family development in the United States.
Vivint Solar installations flat during Q3 (w/ charts)
In line with the sluggishness of the residential solar sector Vivint’s volume deployed remains substantially lower than a year ago, as its business model shifts.
