California regulators call for later peak under SDG&E time of use rates
A week before a key ruling and with little justification, CPUC has altered a proposed decision on TOU timing. If approved this will be bad for SDG&E customers who adopt solar and could set a precedent for TOU rate cases at California’s other utilities.
New York kicks Solarize into high gear
The Empire State has deployed solar at 850 sites through the second round of its Solarize program, and is now extending the program to manufacturers.
The empire strikes back: NV Energy uses net metering revival to change rates
The Nevada utility holding company’s response to mostly losing the latest battle over net metering in the state is to attempt to ram through a significant rate redesign which the solar industry says would impact not only solar but low-income customers.
Tesla begins pilot deployment of its Solar Roof
The BIPV product is only on the homes of its employees (including its executives) right now, but Tesla predicts that it will begin producing Solar Roof tiles from the Buffalo gigafactory by year end.
Co-op solar project goes online in Wisconsin
The first of the projects under Dairyland Power’s 15 MW initiative has come online.
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.
