Markets

A survey reveals greenwashing among major U.S. investor-owned electric utilities, which have been accused of using disproportionately high ratios of renewable versus fossil fuel images and language, while at the same time helping to block renewable energy policies. pv magazine speaks to the lead researcher.

An analysis by a utility backed group suggests that the competitive market for solar power is producing better rates than the legally required PURPA marketplace, suggesting revisions to the pricing mechanism. Market activity suggests the political lever of the tool is still needed though, and the report has some issues.

The latest information from the U.S. Department of Energy shows module shipments rising above 1.5 GW in September. While imports were down slightly from an August high, they were joined by a higher level of exports and modules shipped within the United States.

Salt River Project has announced a 250 MW, 1,000 MWh battery project, located in Little Rainbow Valley. The project will be the largest in Arizona and among the largest in the country.

U.S. trade authorities plan to issue an initial determination finding non-infringement on the company’s patents by JinkoSolar, LONGi and REC Group, which could prevent Hanwha from shutting their PERC-based products out of the U.S. market. Hanwha intends to appeal.

The California Energy Commission has delayed a decision on a utility proposal to use large-scale solar to meet pending solar home mandate requirements, with commissioner comments suggesting a refinement of the community solar aspect of the mandate is coming.

Sunrun’s Q3 results see the company continuing on its path of growth and higher sales and marketing costs, which hit 81c per watt. How long can this go on for?

The grid operator has culled 3.5 GW of renewable projects in the Western portion of its queue, which it blames on the need for expensive and lengthy transmission system upgrades.

Invenergy has been awarded a temporary restraining order on the basis that the removal of the bifacial exemption was done without allowance for notice or comment prior to pulling the exclusion. With the decision going before the courts and the Section 201 mid-term review underway, tensions are at an all-time high.

The state’s 2019 IRP sees just over 11 GW solar power, and at least 11 GW – with up to 19 GW – of energy storage necessary to meet resource adequacy as part of the state’s legally required 60% renewable portfolio standard by 2030 as prices have fallen 50% since 2017.