Sunrise brief: Impactful solar policies at the state level in 2021
Also on the rise: U.S. could double installed capacity by putting solar on public land. BayWa r.e. donates $20,000 to relief to tornado-ravaged area of Kentucky. Recent acquisition brings Doral Renewables’ development pipeline to more than 5 GW. Five solar PV projects that caught our eye. Toshiba reports better than 8% efficiency for thin-film solar cell.
Policy leads the way: Impactful action at the state level in 2021
While federal policy action (or inaction) grabs all the headlines, let’s look back at some of the most impactful state and local developments from 2021.
You read, we listened: Most-read pv magazine USA articles of 2021
The top five articles of 2021 show that pv magazine readers really pay attention when innovative new technologies show great potential, are concerned about the lifetime of components in a solar installation, and are tracking the electric vehicle revolution.
Sunrise brief: Sen. Manchin opposes Build Back Better; solar stocks tumble
Also on the rise: New York Governor unveils ambitious plan for 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030. Colorado co-op to exit utility in order to access low-cost renewables. Engie completes 2.3 GW portfolio that includes 13 projects. Black Bear Solar project to be among largest in Alabama. Phospherene nanoribbon “wonder material” that boosts perovskite performance to 21% efficiency.
Sen. Manchin opposes Build Back Better, tanking solar stocks
The Democratic Senator, who holds a must-have vote, condemned the bill Sunday. Solar stocks fell precipitously at market open Monday.
New York Governor unveils strategy to achieve a minimum of 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan that is expected to generate enough clean electricity per year to power nearly 700,000 additional New York homes, including those in disadvantaged communities.
California first state to require solar power and batteries in commercial structures
The state has updated its Build Energy Efficiency Standards to include requirements for solar plus storage on all commercial and multifamily homes, while also requiring that all new residential construction – which already requires solar – to be energy storage ready.
U.S. House unanimously passes forced labor bill for Xinjiang region
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would ban all imports from the Chinese region, unless the U.S. government determines the products were not made with forced labor. The region supplies 50% of the world’s polysilicon, an essential material in solar PV.
USDA grant program provides funds for rural agricultural solar projects
Two potato farmers in Maine are set to receive grant funding as part of more than $24 million designated for decarbonized energy infrastructure projects in rural communities in the state. The program is available in eligible rural communities countrywide.
Domestic manufacture of solar modules, trackers, inverters incentivized in Build Back Better
In a draft of the Build Back Better infrastructure plan released by the Senate Finance Committee, domestic manufacturing of solar PV and balance-of-system components would qualify for incentives.
