In case you missed it: Six big solar stories in the news this week
pv magazine USA spotlights news of the past week including market trends, project updates, policy changes and more.
California bill introduced to mandate a VPP implementation plan
Virtual power plants, which could save state ratepayers an estimated $550 million per year, are connected aggregations of distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and energy storage.
Illinois proposes bill to cut bureaucratic inefficiency in residential solar permitting
The Residential Solar Automated Permitting Act would require local governments to adopt instant solar permitting for residential rooftop solar and home battery storage.
U.S. states still have a lot of work to do on energy policy
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance Community Power Scorecard gave 23 states failing grades on policies related to energy democracy and accountability.
U.S. solar cell manufacturer shoring up supply chain with second multi-year agreement
ES Foundry announced a multi-year agreement to supply 300 MW of U.S.-made solar cells to Bila Solar, an Indianapolis-based maker of ultra-lightweight solar modules.
California off to a strong clean electricity start with solar up 33.8%
Forty-eight days into 2025, CAISO gas use for electricity is down almost 28%, while battery use is up 78%, and solar has already met 100% of demand in the midst of winter.
Sunrise brief: Record-breaking rates of solar connected to the power grid in 2024
Also on the rise: PV Hardware solar trackers and foundations now 100% U.S. made. Yotta Energy replaces ballast blocks with battery storage. And more.
How to leverage virtual power plants for a better grid
A panel at RE+ Northeast 2025 discussed ways to maximize the value of virtual power plants so everyone on the grid wins.
Nailable 57 W rooftop solar shingle has quarter-inch profile
The updated solar roof product from GAF Energy has 23% more power than previous units and has a depth of less than a quarter inch.
Startup electricity provider offering battery backup expands to Houston
Base operates as a virtual power plant (VPP), and said it offers competitive electric rates along with providing battery energy storage.
