How solar emergency microgrids provide resilience to vulnerable communities
In this op-ed for pv magazine, Clean Coalition’s Dr. Frank Wasko explores how microgrid projects by Solar Saves Lives and other organizations show that communities can build back right and prepare for natural disasters.
House committee calls for cuts in renewable energy R&D, more money for fossil fuels
The House Committee on Appropriations has moved forward legislation to cut the department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office by $243 million, while increasing funding for fossil fuel programs and nuclear energy.
Solar and wind power will drive the value of energy storage, remaking the power grid
A much heralded report shows solar and wind will lower wholesale prices, but it also shows a coming evolution in the pricing profile of the grid. These shifts in timing, shape, regularity and length will drive energy storage demand.
Vivint Solar to use LG’s RESU residential energy storage system
The nation’s third-largest residential solar company is rolling out the batteries first in California, with plans to offer them nationwide by the end of 2018.
Tesla Powerwall adds time-based control
A software update for the Powerwall 2 home energy storage system adds controls to allow owners to take advantage of time of use electricity rates in California and other states
Panasonic, Tesla reveal plan to produce lithium batteries in China
Tesla’s batteries may soon be Made in China. The announcement was made by Panasonic CEO Kazuhiro Tsuga during a conference accompanying the company’s 2018 fiscal-year results.
Salt River Project customers soaking up new energy storage incentive
The $150/kWh-DC rebate launched with 4,500 spaces on May 1, and is down to 3,400 reservations only a week later.
Musk hints at 1 GWh battery as Tesla solar power installations fall further
The company’s energy generation and storage division set a record of $410 million in revenue during Q1, but solar power fell to 2013 deployment levels.
Mercedes-Benz brand to leave the U.S. residential battery market
Parent company Daimler will continue to offer batteries for residential applications to selected partners, but no longer under Mercedes Benz Energy. The company plans to align the stationary storage segment with its grid business.
Solar power policy roundup April 25
Our first solar power policy roundup looks at a bills to scrap net metering while raising the RPS in Connecticut, the establishment of performance-based ratemaking for utilities in Hawaii, and more.
