California prevents utility from paying EEI dues with ratepayer funds
The decision shows regulators pushing back against allowing utilities to force their ratepayers to fund lobbying including anti-solar efforts.
Peaker envy, veto proof net metering, and utility scale solar growth in New Hampshire
Legislation calling for 15% of peak demand to be met by energy storage is moving through the House; a veto-proof increase in system sizes under net metering goes to the governor; and 215 MWac of large-scale solar projects are seeking various approvals.
Wyoming’s first solar trade association, EV chargers encroaching on gas stations: pvMB 5/21/19
We’ve got a jam-packed MB for you this morning. Today we’ll be looking at the formation of the American Solar Grazing Association, a community solar bill in Maine, the winners of the 17th Solar Cup and much much more!
Xcel to build 3 GW of MN solar by 2030 – if it gets to own 50% or more
The deal that Xcel has reached with environmentalists and labor includes caveats maximizing the utility’s ownership of the large-scale solar that it is promising.
Warren wants a (mostly) net zero U.S. military by 2030
U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has introduced legislation requiring global fixed military assets to be net zero by 2030. She is also calling for research focused on microgrids, a 1% fee applied to non-net zero contractors, and a general increase in institutional climate consciousness via reporting, planning, budgeting and procurement.
Little benefit to U.S. solar as Trump lifts tariffs on steel & aluminum from Canada
While the lifting of any tariffs is welcome news to the U.S. solar industry, manufacturers say that low prices on materials are unlikely to return as long as the global tariffs remain.
Solar plus storage prices plunge, Spruce raises $50 million: pvMB 05/17/19
It’s a good time to be in solar power, especially with Friday’s brief as California has approved NeoVolta’s home battery, 16.5 MW of community solar moves forward in Minnesota, and pricing for polysilicon, cells and modules stayed relatively flat last week.
From the editor: SEIA’s solar+ plan falls short on ambition
The organization’s “ambitious goal” of solar supplying 20% of the nation’s electricity in 2030 looks more like a forecast, and vision for rapid decarbonization is coming from the climate movement and the American Left, not SEIA.
The $9 trillion dollar man
Washington Governor and U.S. Presidential Candidate Jay Inslee (D) has unveiled the details of his “Evergreen Economy Plan”, which includes upgrading building efficiency, deploying renewables, increasing clean energy R&D and other measures.
Ohio approves two huge solar projects
Ohio Power Siting Board has approved 470 MWac of solar and 60 MWac of batteries in two separate projects, as another confirmation of the coming boom in the state and the Midwest.
