Residential PV

IEA PVPS report: Global solar demand increased by 12% in 2019 compared to 2018 — but that was BC. According to the report, photovoltaics provided just under 3% of global electricity needs in 2019.

Tesla finished Q1 2020 with a positive GAAP net income, driven by the profitability of the Model Y. However, the story was not so bright for solar, storage or corporate governance.

The list of essential workers during the pandemic includes reporters, liquor store employees, and workers supporting cannabis retail.

Also in the brief: Michigan solar installers say their future depends on lifting the energy cap. Plus, chickens.

Also in the brief: California regulators will include avoided transmission costs to the valuation of distributed energy resources, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has signed two power contracts, Philadelphia has reopened its Solarize Philly program and more.

Historically underreported by the U.S. Fire Administration, Lawrence Shaw of Higher Powered, LLC has found that fires at solar installations rose 36% from 2017 to 2018. With residential installations representing the majority of fires, he believes mandated infrared imaging could be the key to bringing the number down.

Solar loans became more popular than third-party-owned solar in early 2018 and are now the financial tool of choice for homeowners.

Also in the brief: SEIA disappointed by USTR’s decision to remove Section 201 tariff exclusions for bifacial solar modules, plus VC investment in energy and grid startups.

Executive and boardroom moves in solar, storage, energy, utilities and venture capital.

Outsourcing makes sense for startups and medium-sized companies, according to the CEO of Three Line Design