Minnesota gets its first large-scale energy storage system (and you get free solar honey!)
Connexus Energy has broken ground on two solar+storage facilities – totaling 10 MW-AC solar and 15 MW / 30 MWh of energy storage. When connected by end of year, they’ll be the first large-scale energy storage systems put online in Minnesota, and the largest energy storage for a co-op in the United States.
Rural electric cooperatives are becoming a gigawatt PV market
A report issued by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association shows rapid PV growth in less than a decade in co-ops.
Stem raises $226 million
The AI for energy storage startup has raised $26 million in its D round, and has also secured C$200 million to expand into Ontario.
Texas power grid begging for solar power
ERCOT has set mid-day demand records, while aiming for pricing maximums over the past week as summer heat broke state records – all of which creates tremendous opportunities for solar.
Indiana solar, solar+storage comes in at low prices
Indiana’s NIPSCO received bids for solar power at 3.57¢/kWh for 1.3 GW-AC, and 705 MW-AC of solar+storage at an extra charge of $5.90/kW-Mo. The Solar+wind+storage price was not disclosed.
EDF to sell power from solar + batteries to Southern California cities
The French Power giant has entered into a power contract that includes a long-term hedge as well as a 35 MW, 4-hour battery, in order to provide value.
Tesla Powerwalls and PowerPacks save Vermont $500,000 during heatwaves
Green Mountain Power suggests 500 distributed Tesla Powerwalls plus two larger energy storage facilities have saved its customers $500,000 this summer during peak demand hours.
Panasonic mulls further investment in Tesla battery gigafactory as shortages loom
The suggestion of additional investments beyond the $1.6 billion follows reports of battery cell shortages as Tesla’s Model 3 picks up production. It is unknown what impacts this will have on Tesla’s stationary storage business.
Vistra, Tesla and PG&E seeking world’s first 1 GWh+ batteries
PG&E is seeking approval from California regulators for four energy storage projects totalling 567 MW / 2.27 GWh – including a 300 MW / 1200 MWh system by Vistra Energy, and a 182.5 MW / 730 MWh system by Tesla.
Solar bond pays for 12 solar installations, with no taxpayer cost
The City of Albuquerque has revealed details of the first phase of $25 million in solar power investments, as part of its goal to bring the city to 25% renewables. The first 12 projects are on local structures including fire and police stations, increasing resilience.
