Indiana’s solar market is still alive, for now
Retail net metering will expire in three tiers, with the first one ending December 31. The bulk of Indiana’s solar market will be in feed-in tariffs, power purchase agreements and utility ownership.
SunPower to sell its stake in 8point3
The high efficiency PV maker has decided not to find a replacement for fellow sponsor First Solar, and instead to get out of the yieldco business.
Community solar goes to Washington
Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate aims to move community solar forward nationwide. The bill would make permanent a U.S. Department of Energy program that promotes community solar, as well as boosting community solar in low-income communities and encouraging federal government participation in community solar.
SEPA focuses on utilities’ changing role as electricity delivery evolves
The Smart Electric Power Alliance has launched a new phase of its 51st State Initiative, issuing a nationwide call for papers discussing what new role utilities can play in the ever-evolving energy-delivery market.
Minnesota ups the value of its Social Cost of Carbon
While it is unclear if and when these revised carbon cost assumptions will be integrated in Minnesota’ Value of Solar Tariff, the new, higher calculations are to be considered in utility planning.
JPMorgan Chase goes all in on renewable energy
The financial services giant plans to source renewables for 100% of its global energy needs by 2020, and to facilitate $200 billion in clean financing through 2025 – the largest commitment by any global financial institution to date.
First Solar to re-start Vietnam factory for its Series 6
First Solar is scrambling to meet demand as the Section 201 case drives module hoarding, and may keep its Series 4 product running longer at its Malaysia plant.
North Carolina governor signs PURPA overhaul bill
The bill will move most of the state’s market for large-scale solar to a competitive procurement model, and allow for leasing of distributed PV systems, while restricting the availability of fixed-price contracts. It will also institute an 18-month wind moratorium.
Big Sky, small solar, smaller terms
A Montana solar project that would have quadrupled the state’s installed solar has been bushwhacked in the regulatory process, putting solar and even any power plant development in the state in question.
NextEra dives deeper into wind and solar
Despite the looming Section 201 case, the company’s development and IPP arm added another 438 MW of solar projects during the quarter, while construction is underway on 594 MW of solar for utility FPL.
