How far should we push oversizing a solar power plant?
Fluence Energy has given guidance on optimizing solar module loading ratios, suggesting that a 1.9:1 DC:AC solar panel to inverter ratio, in defined circumstances, makes economic sense with integrated DC-coupled energy storage.
Solar power by sPower in Spotsylvania signs more contracts
The largest planned solar power plant east of the Rocky Mountains at 500 MW-AC has signed PPAs for all of its planned production with Microsoft, the University of Richmond, and a consortium of businesses including Apple.
New Mexico prepares to approve 100 MW-AC of solar for Facebook data centers
The social media giant’s Los Lunas data center plans to buy power at $30/MWh.
Up to 10 GW more solar, 2-2.5 GW of batteries coming in California
The state’s recent passage of SB 100 and SB 700 is expected to spur a boom in solar and behind-the-meter battery deployment, and pv magazine has done the math on what we can expect.
Rhode Island’s solar-powered move: Conti signs 35 MW EPC agreement with Southern Sky
Conti Solar has signed a five project, 35 MW EPC agreement with Southern Sky Solar in Rhode Island. These projects alone would represent about 30% growth in the state’s total solar capacity, however, the state’s development queue is huge as it aims for 1 GW of renewable energy in 2020.
GIP launches renewable energy developer, acquires 4.7 GW of SunPower assets
Clearway Energy Group has been formed from NRG’s renewable energy businesses and SunPower’s project pipeline.
Grid-connected battery energy capacity grew 68 percent last year
A utility survey shows battery storage capacity growing sharply, including solar + storage installations in several states. Looking ahead, FERC Order 841 could spark extensive new storage for grid services, helping more utilities become familiar with storage and its benefits.
Europeans break ground in Texas and Utah on 300 MW of solar power
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners have started construction on their Misae and Sage solar power projects, located in Texas and Utah and sized 240 MW-AC and 58 MW-AC, respectively.
Insuring the sunrise with Wall Street finance
kWh Analytics and Swiss Re have structured a deal with GCL New Energy and PNC Bank for 50 MW of solar projects financed using the Solar Revenue Put to guarantee 95% of solar generation.
Colorado trades away coal and gas for solar+wind+storage
The Colorado PUC has voted to provide initial approval of a plan to retire 660 MW of coal early and not build any new gas, instead constructing over 1 GW of wind, 700 MW of solar and 275 MW / 1.0 GWh of energy storage.
