Hawaii opens up existing solar installations to energy storage
A ruling by state regulators will allow the more than 60,000 Hawaiian homeowners and businesses that have PV systems installed under previous net metering rules to add energy storage without violating their agreement.
Nearly 2/3 of Americans support a solar mandate for new homes
A new poll by Morning Consult found surprisingly strong support for a California-style mandate across the political spectrum, although Liberals were more likely to favor the measure than Conservatives.
From the editor: Energy independence
This July 4, it is more important – and possible – than ever to gain our independence from the conventional power industry, and to a degree, the utilities.
California 100% renewable energy bill heads to Assembly
The bill to set California on a path to 100% renewables and “zero-carbon” sources in electricity by 2045 has passed out of an Assembly committee, following a groundswell of support.
REC Silicon lays off 40% of US workforce, reduces production
The Norwegian polysilicon maker has announced that it will today lay off around 100 employees from its Washington plant and reduce production, as a “direct result” of the trade dispute between the United States and China.
Elon Musk’s unprecedented solar+storage vision for Puerto Rico moves forward
Puerto Rico is requesting ten 20 MW / 20 MWh batteries to be deployed strategically in the country’s power grid. The RFQ notes that sites should be upgradable to 40 MW / 160 MWh.
South Carolina net metering cap increase derailed
The SC Senate budget committee has removed an amendment that would have lifted the restrictive 2% caps on net metered-solar from the state’s budget bill. The caps could be hit in both utility service areas by the end of the year.
LG to make high-efficiency solar panels in Alabama
LG Electronics has announced plans for a 500 MW/year solar module manufacturing facility in Huntsville to make its NeON2 60-cell 340-W modules. With this and other factories the nation will be well over the 2.5 GW cell exemption under Section 201.
Solar bond pays for 12 solar installations, with no taxpayer cost
The City of Albuquerque has revealed details of the first phase of $25 million in solar power investments, as part of its goal to bring the city to 25% renewables. The first 12 projects are on local structures including fire and police stations, increasing resilience.
Senate to vote on future of REAP in Farm Bill
The Senate will hold a cloture vote on their version of the Farm Bill tonight at 6:00, which comes in the wake of the House passing its Farm Bill last week, which gutted the popular renewable energy program for rural areas.
