Calling all California solar and storage developers – 6,000+ systems, 32 MW+ request for proposals
Four California CCAs have combined to release a joint RFP in Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties for developers to build out distributed energy storage at local homes, multifamily properties, and commercial buildings that can keep the locations running when the grid is powered down.
Idaho Power renews attacks on net metering
The utility has proposed to state regulators a measure to decrease the rate that solar owners receive for their excess solar generation by 50% under the argument that net metering has failed to properly recover the costs incurred to serve customers with on-site generation.
Draft on extending and expanding ITC is expected to drop this week
The legislation is expected to propose extending the credit under terms similar to those that have been enjoyed for the last five years.
PURPA so good it hurts, still needed though
An analysis by a utility backed group suggests that the competitive market for solar power is producing better rates than the legally required PURPA marketplace, suggesting revisions to the pricing mechanism. Market activity suggests the political lever of the tool is still needed though, and the report has some issues.
California home solar mandate tightened, community solar definition needed
The California Energy Commission has delayed a decision on a utility proposal to use large-scale solar to meet pending solar home mandate requirements, with commissioner comments suggesting a refinement of the community solar aspect of the mandate is coming.
Bifacial exemptions are back (briefly)
Invenergy has been awarded a temporary restraining order on the basis that the removal of the bifacial exemption was done without allowance for notice or comment prior to pulling the exclusion. With the decision going before the courts and the Section 201 mid-term review underway, tensions are at an all-time high.
California sees solar+storage domination by 2030 with 11 GW / 44 GWh of batteries
The state’s 2019 IRP sees just over 11 GW solar power, and at least 11 GW – with up to 19 GW – of energy storage necessary to meet resource adequacy as part of the state’s legally required 60% renewable portfolio standard by 2030 as prices have fallen 50% since 2017.
Two programs launched to get veterans working in solar
The Solar Foundation has partnered with other high-profile groups to create two workforce development programs for transitioning military service members and veterans. The initiatives show an increased commitment by an industry which already hires more veterans than the national average.
WalMart and Tesla settle, $462 billion for EVs: pvMB 11/7/19
Hello happy people and welcome to the pvMB. Today we’ve got on the menu a big PPA between Georgia Power and RWE, the First University Energy Institute Summit, Long Isalnd residents up in arms over the devaluation of community solar and more!
Saving water with solar and wind
Scientists at Princeton have found solar and wind energy offer the added environmental benefit of reducing water usage, by comparison with hydroelectric dams. Their findings, say the researchers, could have a positive impact on groundwater sustainability in drought-prone regions such as California, where they conducted a case study.
