LG to make high-efficiency solar panels in Alabama
LG Electronics has announced plans for a 500 MW/year solar module manufacturing facility in Huntsville to make its NeON2 60-cell 340-W modules. With this and other factories the nation will be well over the 2.5 GW cell exemption under Section 201.
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.
Mosaic Solar breaks $1 billion, earns an ‘A-‘
KBRA has assigned Preliminary Ratings to the most recent Mosaic Solar Loan Trust. The aggregate amount is $317 million, with $273 million earning the A- rating.
IRS gives big solar two more years
The IRS, via Notice 2018-59, has modified the Investment Tax Credit to allow solar projects to begin construction by the end of the 2019, and still get the 30% – versus being in service by that date.
AI-infused drone O&M for solar farms – 50 minutes per MW
Aerospec Technologies offers portfolio level drone O&M data analysis services backed by machine learning to tell you exactly what’s happening with every single solar panel, in near real time.
Tesla to close at least 13 solar installation offices in nine states
Reuters reports that nearly 20% of its installation facilities will close, as part of the company’s 9% workforce reduction announced last week.
Community Solar spurns New York’s VDER, seeks a return to net metering
The New York State Assembly has passed a bill which would temporarily put a hold on the alternative valuation of electricity from community solar projects and re-institute net metering for three years. The companion bill currently sits in Senate Rules Committee.
SunPower, First Solar close on sale of yieldco 8point3
The sale brings in $240 million for First Solar and $360 million for SunPower, as both companies re-focus on manufacturing. Capital Dynamics now owns the yieldco.
Innogy to develop 440 MW solar pipeline in the US southeast
Innogy’s US subsidiary will gain exclusive rights for the acquisition of 13 solar PV projects currently owned by North Carolina’s Birdseye Renewable Energy. The projects have a cumulative capacity of 440MW and are at various stages of development.
Texas to get its largest battery, coupled with its largest solar power plant
Vistra Energy plans to add a 10 MW / 42 MWh lithium-ion battery to the 180 MW-AC Upton County Solar 2 solar power plant. The energy storage project is scheduled to come online in Q4 2018.
