Global solar investment drops due to low project costs, China policy change
While overall global investment in clean energy saw a decrease of just 1% year-over-year in the first half of 2018, solar’s share dropped 19% following changes to China’s PV policy and lower project costs, says Bloomberg New Energy Finance. It forecasts this trend to continue throughout the year.
Arizona 50% by 2030 renewable initiative qualifies for ballot
The Tom Steyer-backed initiative has turned in more than double the number of signatures needed to get on the ballot, as the state regulatory body pushing a pro-nuclear alternative faces yet another scandal.
Florida’s distributed solar market doubled in 2017
State regulators have released a report showing that 6,283 new distributed generation systems connected to the power grid in 2017, nearly double the volume deployed in 2016.
Hawaii opens up existing solar installations to energy storage
A ruling by state regulators will allow the more than 60,000 Hawaiian homeowners and businesses that have PV systems installed under previous net metering rules to add energy storage without violating their agreement.
Powerhouse solar shingle seeks 17.1% panel efficiency
In an pre-UL Certification specification page of the Powerhouse 3.0 Solar Shingle, RGS Energy notes a 55W, 15.6% efficiency shingle and a 60W, 17.1% efficiency shingle.
Recom’s acquisition of Jabil lines could lead to a U.S. solar factory
The PV module manufacturer started negotiations with Jabil after the United States introduced duties on solar imports. Recom plans to restart manufacturing activities with Jabil’s 700 MW production equipment in the first quarter of 2019. Where exactly this will take place has not been disclosed yet.
Panasonic mulls further investment in Tesla battery gigafactory as shortages loom
The suggestion of additional investments beyond the $1.6 billion follows reports of battery cell shortages as Tesla’s Model 3 picks up production. It is unknown what impacts this will have on Tesla’s stationary storage business.
Vistra, Tesla and PG&E seeking world’s first 1 GWh+ batteries
PG&E is seeking approval from California regulators for four energy storage projects totalling 567 MW / 2.27 GWh – including a 300 MW / 1200 MWh system by Vistra Energy, and a 182.5 MW / 730 MWh system by Tesla.
REC Silicon lays off 40% of US workforce, reduces production
The Norwegian polysilicon maker has announced that it will today lay off around 100 employees from its Washington plant and reduce production, as a “direct result” of the trade dispute between the United States and China.
Trackers taking over the market: An interview with Eb Russell, RP Construction Services
In this interview, RPCS founder & President Eb Russell explores the factors behind how trackers are taking over the utility-scale solar market, as well as giving insights on the solar contracting business in the wake of the Section 201 tariffs.
