Who is working against distributed solar: National actors
A new report explores who has been behind efforts to curb distributed energy and solar deployment on both a state and national level. In the first of a multi-part series, we look at the report’s investigation of national anti-solar players.
Solar 101: Go solar, but go with your eyes open
Solar is uniquely virtuous among energy industries. But like all industries, consumers need to pay close attention to protect themselves.
Bill would expand the ITC to include integrated solar roofs
The RAISE the Roof Act would allow the entirety of an integrated solar roof to be covered by the investment tax credit.
Illinois reduces power HOAs have over distributed solar projects
Community associations can no longer determine where an installation goes and have to rule on all applications within 75 days of filing, thanks to the passage of HB 644.
Sunrise brief: First Solar plans to add still more production capacity as global demand grows
Also on the rise: Startup invents battery breakthrough, Arizona is tapped for a Li-ion battery plant, solar PV shipments were up 33% in 2020 as demand rose and prices fell, and groups press DOE to move TVA off of fossil fuels.
Groups call on DOE to draw a roadmap for TVA to shift to renewables
TVA currently has no plan to achieve emission-free power and that is frustrating advocacy groups along with a handful of TVA member companies.
Sunrise brief: Senate votes to advance a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill
Also on the rise: New Jersey regulators vote to offer new net metering incentives, Mechatron Solar receives a patent for a gearless dual-axis tracker, and GEBs may save gobs of money for building owners and power providers.
New Jersey regulators adopt new net metering incentives
The Successor Solar Incentive Program emerged from a mandate to replace the state’s existing solar program with incentives that encourage solar development while minimizing ratepayer cost.
Renewables generated a record amount of electricity in 2020, EIA says
All forms of renewable energy, including solar, moved into second place in terms of electricity production.
Solar 101: How to calculate your solar system’s payback period
The simplest way to model the payback period is to divide the project’s costs by its expected annual production number. That’s a good start, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
