Microgrid

Diesel generators have been the workhorse of disaster relief for decades but as the frequency of extreme weather events rises, so do calls to decarbonize the emergency response. Sustainability may not be the only benefit to using solar in a crisis, as pv magazine discovers.

With net metering waning in the United States and utilities looking for ways to affordably bolster their electricity networks, the US Department of Energy (DOE) is trying to support virtual power plant (VPP) deployment. Solar industry veteran Jigar Shah, known as the father of the solar power purchase agreement, is now leading the charge at the department’s Loans Programs Office.

Also on the rise: McCarthy begins construction on over 1 GW of solar projects in U.S. Southwest. Monoprice unveils new PowerCache batteries with up to 1,000 W of output. And more.

Also on the rise: Maxeon solar cells cleared of forced labor allegations after review. Kentucky regulators approve plan for 900% increase in renewable energy. And more.

Each new home will be outfitted with 8 kW of solar and every two homes will be connected with a 43 kWh battery.

Also on the rise: Most states are doing a less than stellar job at deploying microgrids. California Six Flags to install 12 MW solar carport. And more.

A recent report by Think Microgrid recommends that legislators or utilities develop a microgrid roadmap to guide the coordinated efforts between utility commissions, energy offices, and stakeholders.

Also on the rise: U.S. Energy Department announces $3.5 billion to shore up electric grid. Briggs & Stratton launches new lithium iron phosphate battery packages. And more.

Investing in America will fund 58 projects across 44 States to improve grid resilience and reliability.

Green Mountain Power targets zero power outages by 2030, backed by a strong contribution from solar, wind, and energy storage linked in microgrids.