Community solar goes to Washington
Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate aims to move community solar forward nationwide. The bill would make permanent a U.S. Department of Energy program that promotes community solar, as well as boosting community solar in low-income communities and encouraging federal government participation in community solar.
Maine regulators approve state’s largest solar project
A first phase of the 9.9 MW project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, as one of the first under a 50 MW pilot community-owned renewables program.
Minnesota ups the value of its Social Cost of Carbon
While it is unclear if and when these revised carbon cost assumptions will be integrated in Minnesota’ Value of Solar Tariff, the new, higher calculations are to be considered in utility planning.
Bill to protect solar customers from discriminatory fees introduced in Texas
Legislators are pushing back on discriminatory fees on wind and solar installations
Arizona sun rises: Judge endorses APS, solar industry settlement
After a bruising two-year battle over the value of solar, Administrative Law Judge Teena Jibilian recommended the Arizona Corporation Commission accept a settlement agreement that will bring the matter to a close.
North Carolina governor signs PURPA overhaul bill
The bill will move most of the state’s market for large-scale solar to a competitive procurement model, and allow for leasing of distributed PV systems, while restricting the availability of fixed-price contracts. It will also institute an 18-month wind moratorium.
Big Sky, small solar, smaller terms
A Montana solar project that would have quadrupled the state’s installed solar has been bushwhacked in the regulatory process, putting solar and even any power plant development in the state in question.
Trump’s Infrastructure Council shrouded in secrecy
On July 19, President Donald J. Trump established ANOTHER “advisory council” to deal with the nation’s infrastructure. Oh, you didn’t know that? Well, according to a lawsuit, few others did, either.
11 California communities “opt up” for 100% renewable energy
The new sign-ups represent a surge of support that took place in just three months. The cities and counties will be enrolled in community choice aggregator Marin Clean Energy’s “Deep Green” option, which offers 100% wind and solar power produced in California.
Turmoil in residential solar
After years of steady, relentless growth, the U.S. residential solar market is struggling with challenges on both the policy and customer acquisition fronts. And as the market diversifies away from California and the Northeast, the future is far from clear.
