Sunrise brief: Year-end dealmaking hits its stride
Also on the rise: A solar firm helps neighbors in need, researchers show how to turn a ZEB into a PEB, and researchers correct a climate model error: the fix isn’t good news for California.
You picked ’em: Our most popular articles of 2020
Five articles (well, six, since news about Tesla made it twice) that captured the imagination of our audience during 2020.
Sunrise brief: Congress passes solar ITC extension
Also on the rise: A simple safeguard for the growing danger of arc-fault events; EDF Renewables signs a PPA; Soltec will supply trackers to AES
Solar ITC wins extension as part of pending congressional action
The solar ITC would remain at 26% for projects that begin construction in 2021 and 2022, step down to 22% in 2023, and down to 10% in 2024 for commercial projects.
Solar roundup: Lower export fees in Michigan and net metering takes a hit in Vermont
Consumers Energy cuts solar export fees in Michigan, while net metering takes a hit in Vermont. And TVA wants feedback on an environmental report for a planned 50 MW solar and 200 MWh storage project in Mississippi.
Project aims to smooth DER integration on New York’s grid
The $2.2 million in funding comes through NYSERDA’s Smart Grid Innovation program, and is part of New York State’s strategy of a zero emission electricity sector by 2040.
Solar plus storage cleared to land at JFK airport
The 12.3 MW solar installation will create a carport canopy, providing cover to around 3,000 parking spaces. Excess power will flow to the grid and storage will support AirLink JFK rail shuttle service.
Canada maps a path to its hydrogen energy future
The zero-emission fuel is expected to satisfy around 6% of Canada’s end-use energy by 2030 and about 30% by the end of the first half of the century.
Six of the year’s most impactful solar policies, courtesy of SELC
The 2020 “Solar Makers” include states, regulators and utilities taking action to encourage rooftop solar. This year’s “Solar Brakers” include utility policies that SELC says undermine rooftop solar as a cost-effective choice.
IHS Markit forecasts a “wild” ride” for the global PV industry in 2021
The firm expects 158 GW of new PV to be installed worldwide in 2021, a jump over 2020, and the U.S. and China will still dominate.
