Policy

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.

A new bill in Iowa seeks to credit these waitlisted customers, but does not extend the tax credit that has spurred $5 million a year in private investment in the state.

Also on the rise: New York town plans floating-solar demonstration project. SB energy procures 1.5GW of First Solar modules. Solar Jobs Census seeks participants. Verizon Communications issues fourth green bond. Solarizing houses of worship in communities of color nationwide. Arizona Senate controls the fate of Phoenix anti-solar rate.

Two bills moving their way through the House and Senate of Florida threaten to slash the value of Net Energy Metering. The bills are being described as a knockout punch to the industry and have strong bipartisan opposition.