Policy

Converting the nation’s 40 million acres of ethanol corn farms into solar-plus-food facilities would generate 1.5 times our nation’s electricity needs, while also powering a 100% electrified passenger vehicle fleet.

Though the recently passed House Bill 741 is viewed as a loss for consumer choice and the industry, policy advocates fought for and achieved significant improvements. Palmetto’s Ryan Barnett joined pv magazine to discuss the effort and share how his company will continue to serve solar-ready Floridians.

Also on the rise: New York solar plan needs some tweeks to support energy justice. Jobs moves at NREL, CPower, Brattle Group, and more. FTC solar uses novel approach to tackle the damage potential of dynamic and static wind loads on single axis trackers. Sacramento utility signs its largest solar and storage PPA with D.E. Shaw.

Vote Solar, the New York Energy Democracy Alliance, and Alliance for a Green Economy support aspects of New York’s CLCPA, but are asking the PSC to do more for New York’s disadvantaged communities. 

Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose by 6% in 2021 mostly due to increased coal use, but renewable energy sources and nuclear power provided a higher share of global electricity generation than coal in 2021, according to IEA report.

Also on the rise: Greenbacker acquires a significant financial interest in the 150MW operating Aurora solar portfolio. Community choice solar programs save New Yorkers $7 million in seven months. LONGi pits its modules against others in snow load test. American Battery Factory announces giga-plans. UL and NREL released a report on cybersecurity certification recommendations. Vibrant Clean Energy study details approaches for Michigan to reach carbon neutrality. Wood Mac analysts help install solar in Puerto Rico.

A team of three analysts from global energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie are in Puerto Rico this week helping install solar panels on homes as part of a new initiative with charity Let’s Share the Sun Foundation.

A Vibrant Clean Energy study commissioned by Vote Solar found that GW-scale investments in distributed solar and storage would yield the lower cost between two approaches studied for Michigan to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.

House Bill 741 was passed by the Florida Legislature. The rate paid by utilities to rooftop solar owners for excess electricity sent back to the grid is set to be phased down to a fraction of its original rate. It also opens the door for unlimited fixed fees to be levied on solar customers.

Also on the rise: Powin Energy signed a supply agreement with Borrego for 800MWh of Powin’s Stack750 storage solution. Rigid trackers may be best for large-format modules. Koch subsidiary DEPCOM expands portfolio to 650MWh. Over the next two years utility-scale solar and battery energy storage will combine for 60% of the capacity added to the grid. NASA’s 1.5 billion-mile Psyche asteroid mission will be solar-powered. IREC and partners announce on-line training courses for residential plan review and permitting.