New York recommends “stopgap” measures to modify solar compensation
Two white papers issued by state regulators call for modifying the Value of Distributed Energy Resources calculation and increasing credits available for community solar projects. SEIA describes this as “forward progress”.
Solar power assets included in “AAA” commercial bond offering
CleanFund has closed on a $103 million bond for a portfolio holding building efficiency, seismic, water conservation improvements, as well as solar assets. A 5 MW project was noted as having received a 20-year term at 5.6%.
Locals push solar power from the bottom up in Maine
In a state whose governor is staunchly anti-renewable energy, more than 25 municipal projects have been built and an island is pushing for energy independence by 2030.
Trump calls for 25% tariffs on Chinese inverters, other products
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked trade officials to consider increasing import duties from 10% to 25% on a list of products from China including inverters, AC modules and non-lithium batteries.
Massachusetts passes energy bill without lifting net metering caps
The bill will increased the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 40% by 2030 and mandated additional energy storage, but the failure to lift net metering caps is expected to hobble mid-sized solar installations.
The ever shifting sands of the 50 States of Solar
NC Clean Energy Technology Center has published its Q2 analysis of relevant policy changes, specifically noting increased political maneuvering around net metering and rate design, with 42 states and Washington DC committing to “action” in the quarter.
Massachusetts committee produces weaker energy bill
The bill will increase Massachusetts’ RPS to 40% by 2030 and increase energy storage procurement, but does not lift caps on net metering. The Sierra Club called the bill “half measures and timidity.”
California’s solar and wind integration challenge
As a leader in the global energy transition, California is putting some of the highest levels of solar and wind on its grid in the world to date. And while the state’s grid operator has made some progress, the integration of these resources is currently limited not by physics, but by market rules and operational practices.
Native American lands have 61 GW of economic solar potential; DOE loan guarantees available
Native American tribes have the opportunity to evaluate 61 gigawatts of “economic” solar potential on their lands. An online Tribal Energy Atlas developed by NREL can help, as can federal loan guarantees targeted for tribal energy projects.
Georgia Power accepting bids for 100 MW of “small” solar power
The utility is soliciting bids for projects 1 kW through 3 MW through its REDI program. The RFP is part of Georgia Power’s 1,600 MW by 2021 goal.
