Monitoring

Hail events have historically posed a considerable risk for utility solar projects, with weather instances creating up to $100 million in damages at large projects located in “Hail Alley” states such as Texas.

Large industrial users of electricity that could use less electricity at high prices, or more electricity at low prices, could bid prices for their demand in day-ahead wholesale markets to help set market prices, integrate renewables, and lower system costs, according to an ESIG report.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott and Senator Peter Welch attended the groundbreaking for a new microgrid neighborhood in South Burlington that will have solar on every home and an EV charger in every garage.

kWh Analytics says that finding the root cause of the underperformance through forensic analysis can help mitigate losses.

UL 2941 provides testable requirements for energy storage and generation technologies on the distribution grid. The new cybersecurity protocol provides a framework for photovoltaic inverters, EV chargers, wind turbines, fuel cells and other distributed resources.

Scale Microgrids will build a 1.5 MW solar plus 6 MWh battery storage system with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians on the rooftop of the Soboda Casino Resort.

Also on the rise: Drone designed for visual and thermal inspection of utility-scale solar. EnerVenue announces non-lithium battery gigafactory in Kentucky. And more.

Raptor Maps is developing a drone and software package for ongoing, on-site visual and thermal intelligence at utility-scale solar facilities.

Also on the rise: Solar project updates in California, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee. Transferability, or selling tax credits, top of mind at SEIA Finance. And more.

Iberdrola is using a springer spaniel in a solar park to smell electrical problems that could lead to power cuts. It is also using a robotic dog to detect and analyze faults in substations.