Fraunhofer ISE reaches legal settlements with seven inverter manufacturers who infringed its patent
In 2002, the Fraunhofer ISE patented the HERIC circuit for highly efficient inverters. Since then, the institute says, it has recorded out-of-court settlements in seven patent infringement lawsuits against companies from China, Taiwan and Germany.
Florida legislators attempt to appease solar advocates with amendment to controversial net metering bill
The amendment would allow existing net metering customers to keep their current rates for 20 years, but would slash future rates and add in base facilities charges, electric grid access fees, monthly minimum bills, or other fixed charges.
Appeals court ruling could bring Phoenix solar market back to life
A U.S. district court must rule on federal antitrust claims made by four plaintiffs against Arizona utility SRP’s anti-solar rate, and must consider “injunctive relief” that could immediately halt the anti-solar rate.
Indiana utility’s net metering calculation overturned in court
An attempt to circumvent the state’s already-limited net metering guidelines has been overturned in court, in a decision that distributed generation advocates see as an important step in strengthening the state’s market.
Mississippi boosts low-income incentives in updated net metering rules
Under the new rules, all public utility customers are eligible for a $3,000.00 upfront cash rebate for any 3 kW-6 kW that is used, at least in part, for self-supply, while all customers at or below 250% of the federal poverty line can receive a 2 cent/kWh adder to their net metering rate.
Department of Justice appeals ITC’s Section 201 ruling
The solar industry reacts to appeal after the ITC had reversed a Trump administration move to strengthen Section 201 safeguard duties on certain solar products.
Feds to rescind review of 48 Chinese crystalline silicon companies
48 of the initial 83 companies have been found to have not be manufacturing or exporting any subject merchandise.
Washington renewable energy advocates support community solar incentive bill
House Bill 1814 places a focus on expanding the opportunities for low-income residents to realize the benefits of renewable energy through the installation of community solar projects throughout the state.
CPIA pushes back against U.S. ban on solar imports from Xinjiang
The China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) has criticized the adoption of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by the United States Congress, which bars all imports from China’s Xinjiang region, and urged the country to stop spreading harmful rumors.
Policy leads the way: Impactful action at the state level in 2021
While federal policy action (or inaction) grabs all the headlines, let’s look back at some of the most impactful state and local developments from 2021.
