Why big bets on transmission and distribution infrastructure are no longer necessary
In this op-ed for pv magazine, Taylor Sloane of Fluence outlines how system planners can use energy storage to predict load growth when developing transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Arizona’s largest solar plus storage plant starring Tesla, First Solar and NEXTracker
Arizona utility Salt River Project has brought together a technological trifecta in its recently commissioned single-axis tracker 20 MW solar plus 10 MW/40 MWh energy storage power plant.
Panasonic and Pika up the pace
Pika Energy has increased its home battery capacity to 17.1 kWh – about half an average home’s daily usage. The units are powered by Panasonic lithium-ion cells.
Barriers to non-utility ownership of DER stripped from California bill
SB 1088, which would have effectively barred customer or third-party owned solar or batteries from providing reliability services for the distribution system has been altered before leaving the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Sonnen secures $70 million from Shell for US, Aus expansion
The battery integrator has already began to draw on the funds as it continues to expand its market presence in the United States and in Australia. Shell Ventures is now a major sonnen investor and and the companies have agreed to future cooperation.
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
