Sisyphus had nothing on Boulder/Xcel solar deal
For nearly 10 years, the city of Boulder, Colorado, has been pushing to free itself from Xcel Energy and create a municipal utility, and Xcel has pushed back. But an end to the dispute may finally be in sight.
NREL: Solar + storage costs twice as much as solar (with chart)
The National Lab’s latest report uses its renowned cost modeling to find that even a PV system with small batteries costs nearly twice as much as a standalone PV system.
Suniva lays off 131 workers in Georgia, closes Michigan plant
The state of Georgia says 131 workers were let go yesterday, and local officials in Michigan have confirmed that Suniva’s module plant in Saginaw Township is now closed.
Group asks Oregon AG to investigate solar sales practices
The Campaign for Accountability sent a letter to Oregon’s top law enforcement official asking her to investigate what it calls “false and misleading acts in the marketing and sale or lease of solar panels” in the state, the same day that SEIA launched an education campaign to combat shady sales practices by solar installers.
BREAKING: SolarWorld recalls PV modules with Amphenol connectors
The German/American PV maker has quarantined more than 60,000 PV modules in its inventory as well as recalling tens of thousands more, with a promise to replace the connectors.
Anheuser-Busch commits to 100% renewable energy
With $46 billion in annual revenue, the beer giant is one of the largest companies to date to take a 100% renewable energy pledge.
Port of Oakland signs sub-4 cent contract for solar power
Last week, port commissioners voted to buy $8.9 million of solar power from a Southern California solar plant, which it plans to re-sell to tenants of the port.
U.S. solar produced $154 billion in economic activity for 2016
A new interactive map from The Solar Foundation allows visitors to see the impact of the solar industry at state, metropolitan area, county, and congressional district level for the United States in 2016 .
Texas utility proposes bizarre fixed charges for solar customers
Under Oncor’s proposal, its customers who have PV installed would pay a fixed charge every month based on their historical demand – unless their residential bill would be higher under standard rates.
Flow battery maker Primus Power raises $32 million
The most recent funding influx means the California battery maker has secured $114 million to date, and the company has hinted at trying to break into the Chinese market.
