GTM Research: U.S. solar market to decline 10% in 2017 (with charts)
The full release of the latest U.S. Solar Market Insight report gives a number of surprises, including Utah and Georgia rising to the #2 and #3 largest state markets with over 1 GW installed each.
BREAKING: Authorities could lower Taiwanese import duties to single digits
A preliminary finding by the U.S. Department of Commerce could lower import duties first imposed on Taiwan solar cell manufacturers in 2014 from high double-digits to single digits, while tariffs on Chinese module and cell manufacturers imposed at the same time remain in place.
Study proves (again) that net metering can undervalue solar
At the behest of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Minnesota Power submitted a Value of Solar Tariff plan – and proved (yet again) that as even the best net-metering plan can undervalue what solar means to the grid and ratepayers.
California regulators move to double SGIP funding
The proposed decision would increase SGIP funding by $249 million over the next three years, with 85% of this to subsidize energy storage installations
CUNY report looks at barriers to PV + storage in New York City
A lack of not only incentives but even compensation for the services distributed battery systems provide are among the barriers identified for mass deployment of solar plus storage.
SolarWorld Americas appreciates Trump’s tough trade talk
The panel manufacturer, which operates a production facility in Oregon hopes the president’s call for strict enforcement of U.S. trade laws will give it, as well as other domestic panel companies, a better chance against Chinese competition.
Rick “Oops” Perry becomes the new Secretary of Energy
The man who once famously forgot the Department of Energy in a 2012 Republican presidential debate is now, astonishingly, the person who was just confirmed to lead it.
Maine net-metering battle could move to the legislature
In response to the codifying of net-metering rules that critics say will destroy Maine’s solar industry, the Natural Resources Council of Maine said it will take the fight to the statehouse in an effort to head off the changes with a new solar law.
Duke proposes dismantling PURPA for solar in North Carolina
The power company has proposed a number of severe changes to the policy, including limiting contracts to projects 1 MW or smaller and allowing prices to change every two years.
APS settles rate-case dispute with solar industry
The compromise between the state’s largest utility and the solar industry guarantees Arizona’s current solar customers will be grandfathered at full retail net-metering rates for 20 years from the date of interconnection.
