Utility Scale PV

The automaker announced that it has come to terms on a power purchase agreement for a 180-MW solar project set to be constructed in Arkansas. The installation will use modules from First Solar.

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?

Built in Gangba County, in Xigaze, Tibet, the 40 MW/193 MWh facility was deployed at more than 4,700m above sea level and is functioning as a demonstration project for the ancillary services the technology could offer the Tibetan grid.

Also in the brief: 6 practical steps to improve community safety near lithium-ion energy storage systems, plus Electriq Power, LS Power and building solar on old mining sites.

The two big solar announcements come on the heels of Entergy’s new commitment to achieve “net-zero emissions” by 2050, even though these plans still rely heavily on natural gas generation.

Here’s this week’s gigawatt of big solar project news.

Also in the brief: $1 million fine at stake as Minnesota solar developers fault Xcel for project delays, more on interconnection.

Also in the brief: Natron Energy, a supplier of fire-safe sodium-ion batteries using Prussian blue chemistry, has achieved a UL listing for its battery.

In Vermont and Utah, net metering is under attack — in danger of being significantly devalued or eliminated. In Arizona, the state’s rooftop solar export rates have been saved for at least another year. Outside of policy, Maine has announced the winners of the state’s largest-ever renewable solicitation.

Also in the brief: Solar dominates Maine’s largest renewables procurement on record.