Rick “Oops” Perry becomes the new Secretary of Energy
The man who once famously forgot the Department of Energy in a 2012 Republican presidential debate is now, astonishingly, the person who was just confirmed to lead it.
Solar reached 1.4% of U.S. electricity in 2016
The latest figures from the U.S. Department of Energy show that all renewables together made up 15.3% of generation.
Meyer Burger to shut down U.S. diamond wire production
The Swiss equipment provider has announced a plan to close production for its diamond wire platform in Colorado. The company blames global pressure on prices and margins. Meanwhile, its preliminary financial results for 2016 show a 40% increase in sales.
Maine net-metering battle could move to the legislature
In response to the codifying of net-metering rules that critics say will destroy Maine’s solar industry, the Natural Resources Council of Maine said it will take the fight to the statehouse in an effort to head off the changes with a new solar law.
Amazon to install up to 41 MW of on-site solar by the end of 2017
The company’s solar installations planned for 15 fulfillment centers this year will be followed by another 35 by 2020.
Duke proposes dismantling PURPA for solar in North Carolina
The power company has proposed a number of severe changes to the policy, including limiting contracts to projects 1 MW or smaller and allowing prices to change every two years.
APS settles rate-case dispute with solar industry
The compromise between the state’s largest utility and the solar industry guarantees Arizona’s current solar customers will be grandfathered at full retail net-metering rates for 20 years from the date of interconnection.
Indiana’s anti-DG solar bill passes Senate with ease
In the face of ever-increasing public opposition and serious questions about the author’s motives, the Indiana Senate approved controversial Senate Bill (SB) 309, which critics say will eliminate net-metering and stop the burgeoning Indiana solar industry in its tracks.
Enphase narrows losses in Q4 results
The company appears to be making progress with its restructuring, as it continues to launch increasingly sophisticated home energy solutions.
Tracker mergers on the march: Clavijo and MFV Solar to form NCLAVE
Grupo Clavijo and MFV Solar have reached a merger agreement to form NCLAVE, with the financial support of Q-Growth Fund, to become “the world leader in the design, manufacture and installation of structures and trackers for the solar photovoltaic market,” the companies say.
