The good news: The US added 13.3 GW of solar in 2019, beating wind and gas in new capacity
You know the bad news. Here are five takeaways from the pre-COVID-19 U.S. solar industry. As for how the coronavirus will impact 2020 foreacasts, supply chains, component costs and project timelines, stay safe and stay tuned.
How automation is changing the solar interconnection process in California
Want to speed up project development timelines and lower costs? Automate the process, pleads Tam Hunt, a renewable energy lawyer and policy expert.
Morning Brief: TVA solicits 200 MW of renewables, Sungrow supplies the Wright project
Also in the brief: 14 MW approved in Maine, 20 MW approved in Indiana, a molten aluminum thermal energy storage system and more.
Construction begins on Ohio’s largest solar project
Hillcrest Solar has broken ground. The installation marks the beginning of what is expected to be an Ohio solar boon, with Wood Mackenzie ranking the state as top in the Midwest for development over the next five years.
Solutions to replacing aging and failing inverters
Optimizer manufacturer Alencon has published a paper outlining the technical challenges and solutions to replacing the largely-obsolete and frequently-failing 600-volt central inverters used in older PV projects.
Morning Brief: Indiana passes HB 1414, PG&E, FEMA agree to wildfire settlement
Also in the brief: NJR Clean Energy Ventures acquires the country’s largest floating solar array, a clean energy advocate has been named to Wisconsin’s PSC, a community solar farm proposed in Maine and more.
City of Charlotte, Duke Energy agree to milestone power contract
Charlotte has become the first municipality to come to terms with Duke on a solar contract through the new Green Source Advantage program.
Morning Brief: West Virginia legislature votes down bill to legalize solar PPAs, documentary on Alaskan PV microgrid
Also in the brief: Outback Power releases AC coupling feature for Skybox hybrid inverter, BP Solar customers can be compensated for faulty panels, Martha’s Vineyard considers 100% renewable by 2040, and more.
GAF Energy, part of the world’s largest roofer: The time is now for building integrated PV and solar roofs
GAF Energy’s president, Martin DeBono: “I think that Tesla has it absolutely right. They’re playing the long game, as are we. The industry will evolve from rack-mounted to BIPV.”
Germany’s electricity generation was 60% renewable in February — with wind power replacing lignite usage
Wind power generated 45.8% of German electricity in February. Solar power contributed 4.2%, while lignite usage hit a new low.
