Bill Gates’ energy innovation fund commits to $1 billion in investment
The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is backing research on zero-carbon technologies; however its guidelines show a lack of understanding of solar technology and market development.
Oklahoma judge protects solar customers from extra charges
In a tentative agreement between Oklahoma Gas & Electric and consumer advocates — pending public service commission approval — would protect solar customers from arbitrary charges levied by the utility
Q3 was the largest quarter ever for the U.S. solar market
The nation installed over 4 GW-DC of solar PV during Q3 2016, and even more is expected in the fourth quarter of the year. However as utility-scale solar booms the residential segment is struggling.
PG&E to transition to net metering 2.0 by the end of the year
The second of California’s three large utilities expects to hit its cap under the original net metering program this month, with 2.4 GW of behind-the-meter solar installed.
Georgia reaches accord on renewable cost-benefit framework
Georgia Power and the Georgia Public Service Commission issued a joint recommendation on how to evaluate solar’s value to the state’s grid, with a view of using the framework in the Renewable Energy Development Initiative
Trump DOE witch hunt questionnaire suggests attacks on renewable energy & staff
Senator Edward Markey (D-Ma) has condemned the questionnaire, and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has been called up for a Monday meeting.
Report finds net metering is not sustainable over the long-term
The report by electricity market researchers finds that the value that solar contributes to the grid decreases with higher penetrations, making net metering unsuitable in the long run. But in most markets, those higher penetrations are still a long way off.
Ten K Solar’s EnergySketch Design Tool Goes Live
Minneapolis-based Ten K Solar has launched its live project modeling tool, EnergySketch, to enable user-friendly project design from modeling data, with free registration.
Trump chooses climate-denying pro-fossil fuel politician to lead EPA
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has a history of suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of fossil fuel interests. He will now run the agency.
At least five more cold winters for Ohio’s RES
State House voted today to make the the renewable energy standards (RES) voluntary for the next five years, continuing the deep freeze for the solar industry that started in 2014
