Vintage hiring and training solutions for a better solar workforce
In this op-ed for pv magazine, The Solar Foundation’s Chris Walker explores issues of aligning solar training programs with workforce needs.
Riding the French Express to higher capacity factors
California’s NEXTracker has acquired key IP from French company Optimum Tracker to “fortify” its current offerings, while opening opportunities for further platform growth.
Chint investigates U.S. manufacturing
The company is planning pilot U.S. inverter assembly in Texas, while it scouts for manufacturing locations in the U.S. Midwest.
Three massive projects look to put Ohio on the solar map
425 MW of solar projects – including one on the site of a former coal mine – could exponentially increase the state’s installed capacity.
Global solar investment drops due to low project costs, China policy change
While overall global investment in clean energy saw a decrease of just 1% year-over-year in the first half of 2018, solar’s share dropped 19% following changes to China’s PV policy and lower project costs, says Bloomberg New Energy Finance. It forecasts this trend to continue throughout the year.
NABCEP offering three new “specialist” certifications
The PV Design, PV Installer and PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist certifications will be available at over 500 U.S. testing sites.
Arizona 50% by 2030 renewable initiative qualifies for ballot
The Tom Steyer-backed initiative has turned in more than double the number of signatures needed to get on the ballot, as the state regulatory body pushing a pro-nuclear alternative faces yet another scandal.
EIA examines HVDC for renewables
HVDC’s main challenge is the price, which can cost between $1.17-8.6 million per mile, along with scaling the technology in the United States.
APS seeks 106 MW of batteries to pair with large-scale solar
The Arizona utility has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for battery projects to allow its utility-scale solar fleet to meet evening demand, as part of a plan to add up to 500 MW of storage over the next 15 years.
From the editor: Pruitt’s departure is a win for clean energy
The resignation of Scott Pruitt is welcome news to renewable energy advocates. And while his replacement is a coal lobbyist who could be more effective, the momentum of change may be the most important factor.
