It’s cheaper to build new solar than it is to operate coal plants
New analysis released by Lazard compares the levelized cost of energy for various generation technologies on a $/MWh basis and shows that renewables, specifically utility-scale solar and wind, are the economic frontrunners.
Checking in on Akon lighting Africa
Musician Akon has provided 14 African nations with solar-powered electricity via street lamps and solar panels as part of “Akon Lighting Africa,” a project aimed at providing the continent of Africa with low-cost, sustainable electricity.
Pennsylvania has the opportunity to kickstart community solar — and its economy
Removing the state’s ban on community solar, an initiative which has gained immense bipartisan support, will create thousands of jobs and billions in economic development dollars.
Energy Funding: IPOs, M&A, VC and grants for flow batteries, fuel cells, PV trackers and equitable access to solar
Another busy funding week with solar IPOs on deck and venture capital investments — but no cleantech SPACs in the last few day, at least.
Project Sunlight wants to scale low-income solar nationwide — without subsidies
The end goal of the three-year project is to use market-based financing to install 20 MW of low-income community solar at multifamily affording housing, while trimming 20% off subscribers’ electricity bills.
Morning Brief: Role of gas as a bridge fuel in US ‘just got shorter and narrower’
Also in the brief: Trina Solar completed its acquisition of Spanish solar tracker company Nclave, Plus — A Florida county board denies a zoning exemption for a 650-acre solar project in a predominantly Black community after some residents said the proposal constituted environmental racism.
Community solar under attack in Colorado
Solar advocates appeal to the courts as the state’s utilities and Public Utilities Commission move to cut bill credits to community solar subscribers — and potentially open the door to further reductions.
New Jersey regulators approve year two of the state’s community solar pilot, double capacity
150 MW of capacity are available for development in 2021, with at least 40% of all approved projects required to reserve at least 51% of their capacity to serve low- and middle-income households.
Analyzing the 2% DC voltage drop rule
The good people at Mayfield Renewables take us deep into the technical weeds as they question a rule-of-thumb: Is the 2% DC voltage drop rule accurate for real-world conductor sizing or has technological progress in solar made the rule irrelevant?
Two key community solar advancements made in New York
As the state looks to achieve its its 70% by 2030 renewable electricity goal, community solar is taking center stage, with the announcement of New York’s first community solar-plus-storage project and a municipal opt-out community solar pilot.
