What does the overhaul of PURPA mean for solar power?
The long-awaited overhaul of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 is upon us, bringing with it substantial changes to the policy that has benefited over 30% of today’s solar facilities. What these changes will mean for American solar moving forward remains to be seen.
Breaking up the patent monopoly for the benefit of batteries
The patent monopoly is at odds with the global need for battery storage technology and if this norm continues, technology will not be able to be released in time to keep up with current climate goals.
Tesla EVs show profit while solar business hits new lows in revenue and deployment
It was a series of firsts, including a profitable full year and Megapack turning a profit that factored into CEO Elon Musk explaining that he has “never been more optimistic or excited about the future of Tesla.” Austin is confirmed as the site of the next Gigafactory.
VC investment in storage, smart grid and energy efficiency is down significantly in 2020
A new report shows that both venture capital and total corporate funding to the three sectors are down, driven by battery storage funding failing to compare to a record-setting 2019.
New York launches largest renewable solicitation in US history
4 GW of offshore wind and land-based renewables are set to come to the Empire State, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo looks to achieve the state’s renewable energy mandates while also kickstarting a post-Covid economy.
FERC acts to narrow PURPA yet again
In this legal update regarding the implementation of FERC Order No. 872, Jason Johns, Jennifer Mersing and Jessica Bayles of Stoel Rives LLP break down the most significant changes made by the order and how they will serve to limit PURPA’s efficacy moving forward.
NREL looks to tackle PV waste before it’s too late
With up to 80 million tons of solar photovoltaic panels expected to hit landfills globally by 2050, the national lab has taken a look into refining how crystalline silicon module recycling is done — in order to establish a circular market.
Solar-plus-storage has a 99.8% capacity value in California
“The energy from solar can consistently charge a 4-hour storage device having the same installed capacity” prior to the hours of peak demand, says a new study. In Arizona and New Mexico the capacity value is 99%.
NIPSCO to nearly double Indiana’s solar capacity
The utility has announced two new projects that are set to come online by 2023 and will add 300 MW of new, utility-scale solar to the Hoosier State.
Morning Brief: Closest pictures of the sun, while on earth — McDonalds opens solar-powered, zero-emissions restaurant
Also in the brief: GRU and Origis Energy announce a PPA for a new 50-MW solar project, and cooling solar panels with KAUST’s hydrogel.
