SPI roundup: Grid modernization will ‘define the replacement of net metering’
Can the solar industry’s biggest conference make the transition from mulitday marathon to six weeks of virtual “microconferences”? Opening sessions started strong, pragmatic and urgent — with a focus on collaboration and the opportunities ahead.
Google expands climate vision, vows to create easier renewable power purchase pathways
The tech giant has announced that not only has it eliminated its entire carbon legacy, but that it is moving towards running entirely on renewable generation, 24/7. More importantly, Google is looking to create pathways for renewable purchasers of any size to follow in its wake.
3 key takeaways from FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee’s keynote at REFF
Surprising enthusiasm for exploring carbon pricing, energy storage and hybrid generation resources and transmission.
Software is eating renewable power markets: cleantech investment roundup
Here are five companies that have raised more than $50 million in funding in recent days — with an emphasis on solving renewable energy problems with software. Plus a climate change SPAC from Mary Powell and David Crane.
WoodMac responds: investment in residential solar still strong, asset performance is healthy
Wood Mackenzie has responded to a criticized report, clarifying that Covid-19 impacts on residential solar finance are much less significant than initially expected — and that faster-than-expected recovery for investments in the industry have kept investor confidence high.
Duke Energy, developers and regulators advance solar in the Carolinas with ‘queue reform’ and cluster studies
To address developers’ frustrations with its interconnection process, Duke Energy worked with solar industry associations to map out a second proposal aimed at rationalizing its interconnection process in 2022, after the existing queue is cleared.
8minute Solar Energy inks contract for one of the nation’s largest solar + storage projects
With 400 MW of solar capacity, complimented by 180 MW/540 MWh of energy storage, the Rexford 1 Solar & Storage Center is a development of considerable size. The project now has an energy offtaker, with 8minute signing a 15-year contract with Clean Power Alliance.
Yann Brandt: WoodMac’s residential solar finance forecast is ‘worst forecast of 2020’
A recent report by Wood Mackenzie has asserted that U.S. residential solar finance will “falter” in 2020 has been dubbed the “worst forecast of 2020” by a prominent industry figure. And while the market seems to be sustaining financial health, decreasing installation figures could be cause for concern.
Texas solar will outshine California in 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to cast a cloud on industries around the world, but the U.S. utility-scale solar segment is still growing. Around 3 GW of solar PV is set to be installed this year in Texas alone, but opportunities also abound across several other southern U.S. states.
Lack of carbon pricing and uncertain policy are holding back the flow of capital to renewables
“Putting a price on GHG emissions creates an economic incentive to allocate capital toward the development of new lower-emitting technologies,” claims a report from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
