Markets

Fifteen utility-scale solar projects and two energy storage projects became operational during the first quarter, alongside a 40% increase in wind capacity. Even more is on the horizon, according to a new report.

Around 2 GW of new resources are on their way, but a repeat of last year’s hot summer weather could stress a grid that remains susceptible to high demand for energy.

Total installed solar capacity on schools has grown 139% since 2014, and now can be found on 5.5% of all public and private K-12 schools, according to the 2020 Brighter Future report.

Dominion may be hoping to ease some of the pushback that local communities have shown to the development of utility-scale solar projects.

Also on the rise: More community solar comes to Colorado, battery energy storage will support Dominica’s grid via a UAE international development fund, and Carbon Neutral Energy says ‘howdy’ to Texas.

The first of nine projects that Greenskies plans to develop is in service, but the state’s virtual net metering cap may slow additional capacity from being built.

Solar rooftop additions are unlikely to shave much from the record load that the grid operator expects as the economy recovers and hot and dry weather push demand growth.

Meeting clean energy goals means that more projects will be proposed for agricultural land, making it necessary for developers to better engage with local communities.

The company acquired the proposed 80 MW MTSun Solar project from developer Broad Reach Power.

SunPower’s Q1 earnings show growth as the company intensifies its focus on acquisition costs and segment expansion.