U.S. energy storage MWhs double in 2016
A rush of projects to make up for grid resources lost with the Aliso Canyon gas leak boosted energy storage deployments to a record level in Q4.
Residential solar ownership now outpaces leasing (with charts)
According to new data by GTM Research, the ratio of solar leases and PPAs to full ownership flipped in the fourth quarter of 2016, when fewer than half of all new residential solar systems were operating under third-party arrangements – down from its 2014 peak of 72%.
TerraForm raises another $86 million for Ontario solar projects
The troubled yieldco has managed to raise additional capital for four solar projects in Canada, as the industry waits on word of its settlement with SunEdison and potential sale to Brookfield.
CUNY report looks at barriers to PV + storage in New York City
A lack of not only incentives but even compensation for the services distributed battery systems provide are among the barriers identified for mass deployment of solar plus storage.
Sun Action Trackers offers residential dual axis tracker
Sun Action announced that it has begun offering re-engineered models of its PST-2AL Dual Axis Solar Tracker that will sport reduced array fields of 20 to 25 modules, compared with 42 modules in the original design.
SolarWorld Americas appreciates Trump’s tough trade talk
The panel manufacturer, which operates a production facility in Oregon hopes the president’s call for strict enforcement of U.S. trade laws will give it, as well as other domestic panel companies, a better chance against Chinese competition.
EnSync acquires DCfusion for microgrids, ancillary markets
Distributed energy resource (DER) system provider EnSync Energy Systems will acquire DCfusion, a DC system consulting and engineering company, with plans to create another subsidiary for the former.
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.
