Minnesota gets its first large-scale energy storage system (and you get free solar honey!)
Connexus Energy has broken ground on two solar+storage facilities – totaling 10 MW-AC solar and 15 MW / 30 MWh of energy storage. When connected by end of year, they’ll be the first large-scale energy storage systems put online in Minnesota, and the largest energy storage for a co-op in the United States.
Solar power assets included in “AAA” commercial bond offering
CleanFund has closed on a $103 million bond for a portfolio holding building efficiency, seismic, water conservation improvements, as well as solar assets. A 5 MW project was noted as having received a 20-year term at 5.6%.
Locals push solar power from the bottom up in Maine
In a state whose governor is staunchly anti-renewable energy, more than 25 municipal projects have been built and an island is pushing for energy independence by 2030.
Tesla’s mad growth in energy storage
In the first two quarters of 2018 Tesla deployed 40% more energy storage than all of 2017, with 300-400% growth expected for 2019. Solar power deployments grew 11% to 84 MW over a low Q1 value.
Enphase within striking distance of profitability in Q2 results
The company has brought its operating margin to below -1%, as it fends off component shortages, short sellers and potential tariffs.
The ever shifting sands of the 50 States of Solar
NC Clean Energy Technology Center has published its Q2 analysis of relevant policy changes, specifically noting increased political maneuvering around net metering and rate design, with 42 states and Washington DC committing to “action” in the quarter.
Georgia Power accepting bids for 100 MW of “small” solar power
The utility is soliciting bids for projects 1 kW through 3 MW through its REDI program. The RFP is part of Georgia Power’s 1,600 MW by 2021 goal.
9 out of 10 doctors recommend residential solar+storage
GTM Research projects that residential batteries and other energy storage systems will be coupled with solar in 9 of 10 storage deployments by 2023. Additionally, the firm projects that residential solar power costs will fall below $2/W by this date.
This isn’t your parents’ SolarEdge
The inverter-optimizer manufacturer has expanded from its residential focus and now gets 40% of its revenue from commercial sales. The company is also supplying a soon-to-be commissioned 53 MW-AC solar power project.
First Solar sees manufacturing hiccups, but bookings remain strong
The thin film PV maker reports difficulties in ramping its new Series 6 product, as well as pressure from module price collapses.
