Markets & Policy

With a backlog of over 1,200 energy projects, the nation’s largest electrical grid operator is proposing a review process that it claims will better prioritize construction-ready projects, and streamline and speed up interconnection as a whole.

Organic Valley, the largest farmer-owned organic cooperative in the US, is teaming up with SunCommon to help Vermont farmers go solar with zero up-front costs.

Also on the rise: Phoenix solar market could be brought back to life. Owners of distributed solar and distributed storage may soon earn money from participating in wholesale markets through an aggregator. Hyperlight licenses design of plastic CSP receiver from NREL. Fire at Vistra’s Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility not caused by battery. Mississippi Power issues RFP seeking 200MW of solar. Cybersecurity specialist offers considerations for renewable power plants. Massachusetts community solar to provide electricity bill credits to low-income subscribers

The 45MW of solar and 88MWh of battery energy storage will operate under Massachusetts’ SMART and Low Income Community Shared Solar programs, providing electricity bill credits to low-income subscribers

With Ford Intelligent Backup Power and the Home Integration System, F-150 Lightning will automatically kick in to power the home if the grid goes down, while also giving customers the freedom to charge their truck or power their home using their residential solar installation.

“Relatively minor” changes are needed in distribution planning and operations before owners of distributed solar and distributed storage may earn money from participating in wholesale markets through an aggregator, says a report from the Energy Systems Integration Group.

Project proposals must be at least 20MW of solar tied to a 25-year power purchase agreement.

A U.S. district court must rule on federal antitrust claims made by four plaintiffs against Arizona utility SRP’s anti-solar rate, and must consider “injunctive relief” that could immediately halt the anti-solar rate.

Also on the rise: Solid-state battery start-up Sparks opened a pilot plant for its patented lithium battery technology based on zero cobalt cathodes. Hyperion will invest in a new facility in Ohio to manufacture its hydrogen fuel cell. Pennsylvania may have to sell RECs and use the cash to cap abandoned oil and gas wells. Sol Systems acquires 540MW Illinois solar portfolio. Greenskies moves agrivoltaics forward in Connecticut. FranklinWH chief sales officer shares views on distributed storage.

Job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities, and energy transition finance.