NantEnergy acquires Sharp’s U.S. energy systems & services
Zinc battery specialist NantEnergy has acquired the U.S. energy systems and services business from Japanese electronics giant Sharp. The acquisition, according to NantEnergy will provide the company an important foothold in the U.S. market, and allow it to provide ‘energy as a service’ business models, using its Zinc-air battery, in multiple markets.
Tesla announces Australian telecom executive to replace Musk as board chair
No, Rupert Murdoch’s son will not be running the world’s largest EV maker.
POWERHOUSE to turn on in December
RGS Energy says it expects to deliver its first POWERHOUSE solar shingles in December. The company did not accept deposits for its $127 million in written reservations, but now that UL approval is in they’re soliciting those groups for cash deposits.
Illinois Democratic sweep may augur even better solar support
Upon ousting a Republican incumbent governor, winning all state-wide offices and increasing their majorities in the General Assembly, Illinois Democrats are expected to keep solar progress going.
Enphase sold out into 2019, with improved margins
Enphase’s 3rd quarter results saw revenues at $78 million with an estimated $10 million sales shortfall due to a component shortage, as the company shipped 204 MW of inverters. Future speculation saw an international play on the IQ8, the SunPower partnership, and energy storage driving growth.
Pro-clean energy candidates for governor identified by AEE win 7 “open” elections
The new governors favor policies such as a higher renewables mandate, community solar, increased use of storage, and expanding the Western grid, reports the nonprofit Advanced Energy Economy.
Washington State carbon tax rejected soundly, again
Initiative Measure No. 1631, a tax of $15/ton on carbon pollution, was rejected 56-43% on almost 2 million votes. It was the most expensive ballot measure ever in the state with over $46 million in advertising dollars spent.
Duel in the desert: matching RPS initiatives pass in Nevada and fail in Arizona
After the most expensive ballot initiative campaign in the state’s history, Arizona’s 50% by 2030 RPS initiative has been defeated, while in Nevada the bill’s identical twin found the support it needed to pass its first election cycle.
Democrats control the House. Now what?
The new Democratic majority in the House will still need to deal with a Republican Senate and president, and is unlikely to take bold action.
Europeans buying colonies back one solar racking company at a time
Esdec has acquired EcoFasten Solar, which it says gives it access to a large ecosystem of installers and distributors. The European racking manufacturer launched its US offensive earlier this year.
