California values distributed energy resources fairly — and ratepayers score a big win
Until now, the value of distributed energy resources has been robbed by as much as 50% because the CPUC’s avoided cost calculators did not include avoided transmission costs in valuations of DERs.
Battery startup FreeWire raises $25 million in funding
The funding was led by an existing investor of FreeWire, BP, and will allow the company to commercialize its upcoming Boost EV Charger, as well as expand operations across the United States and into Europe.
Sweden joins European trend and exits coal — two years earlier than planned
The Nordic nation is now the third European country to wave goodbye to coal for power generation. Another 11 European states have made plans to follow suit over the next decade.
Morning Brief: 8minute Solar adds 3 GW of large-scale solar projects to the pipeline, Total wins projects in France
Also in the brief: California regulators will include avoided transmission costs to the valuation of distributed energy resources, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has signed two power contracts, Philadelphia has reopened its Solarize Philly program and more.
Morning Brief: Illinois’ largest project has a power contract, financing secured for 134 MW in North Carolina
Also in the brief: Solis has earned SunSpec rapid shutdown certification, EDF renewables has partnered with Cubic Corporation on a solar, storage and EV charging installation, NextEra Energy has raised $4 million in COVID-19 emergency assistance and more.
Solar system fires are on the rise
Historically underreported by the U.S. Fire Administration, Lawrence Shaw of Higher Powered, LLC has found that fires at solar installations rose 36% from 2017 to 2018. With residential installations representing the majority of fires, he believes mandated infrared imaging could be the key to bringing the number down.
Navajo Power CEO sees 10 GW renewable potential across the Navajo Nation
While an Arizona utility solicits bids for a 200 MW solar project within the Navajo Nation, the near-term potential is 10 GW, says Navajo Power CEO Brett Isaac.
Morning Brief: Germany’s solar panels produced record amounts of electricity, Pittsburgh goes renewable for a day
Also in the brief: Montana high school students raise money for a solar installation, Pacific Gas & Electric is tapping into two Li-ion battery storage projects, a startup from Germany has developed a solar-powered UV disinfection station and more.
Storage companies raised $244 million in corporate funding to start 2020
A new report released by Mercom Capital shows that while funding is down from Q4 2019, it is up substantially year-over-year.
Morning Brief: GM’s Michigan operations all-in on solar and wind, Pittsburgh Steelers add solar
Also in the brief: Boston Scientific goes renewable in American operations, a semi-temporary solar farm for Holy Cross Energy, a roadmap to Pandemic Resilience and more.
