MIT responds: batteries are critical to the future electric grid, but they have their limits
Recognizing their critical role in the future grid, MIT still sees limits to batteries in an intermittent renewable-dominated power sector. In this op-ed, John Reilly, co-director of the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, explains why.
A way to achieve greater than 100% solar power in the U.S., without sacrificing Arizona
Elon Musk is back at his favorite projection – powering the U.S. with a 10,000 square mile solar project in the middle of the desert, but by combining projections of various research groups, we see a better way.
SunCast episode 204 – Tim Effio of Fluence on how storage is disrupting Caribbean thermal generation models
In this episode of SunCast, Nico talks with Tim Effio, head of Latam & Caribbean markets for Fluence on the macro and micro implications of Solar + Storage and its integration into emerging markets.
MIT sees wind+solar going big, dreams of nuclear, forgets batteries exist
Researchers see wind and solar headed to over 40% of US electricity generation, even without major national policy. However, analysts project that beyond 40%, the intermittent nature of these sources will drive costs higher without nuclear power than with it.
Hardware brief: Solar panel walking shoes, poly modules dying?, Trina poly bifacial breaks record, more!
You’re busy, so we keep it simple – only the hardware here folks! Los Angeles simplified its installation requirements, solar+storage install in Vermont, solar walking shoes that spread the force to 1/10th allowable weight, Trina setting bifacial poly records, and polysilicon pricing at the floor!
GM building $2 billion dollar electric vehicle battery factory in Ohio
LG Chem and GM have announced an agreement to build a 30 GWh EV battery factory in Lordstown, Ohio which will employ 1,100 people and come online in 2023.
Energy storage growth clumpy but broad in 2019, next year it triples
Wood Mackenzie projects 430 MW of energy storage will be connected to the grid this year, 38% greater power than the prior year, however utility scale procurements are scheduled to begin deploying next year jumping volumes 300%.
Colorado utility sees “opportunistic window” to save money with solar and wind plus storage
Black Hills Energy is seeking 200 MW of solar power or wind plus energy storage capacity as part of an RFP, driven – not by any requirements – but by 2019 summertime bids solar and solar plus storage bids of 2.4¢/kWh and 3.6¢/kWh and the pending step down of the 30% investment tax credit.
All I want for Christmas is a solar power plus Enphase Ensemble battery backup
Enphase has released training materials and a pre-order page for its home energy storage product – the Ensemble. Here we review the hardware specs and the installation directions.
Biased capacity markets accelerating gas over solar, storage
Regional markets for energy capacity favor new gas generation over solar and storage, at a high cost to consumers. Eight U.S. Senators have taken notice, while a new report marshals the evidence.
