Distributed solar and storage policy trends
Trends in U.S. solar policy as tracked by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center.
Energy Department announces investments in clean energy future
A slew of funding programs are intended to advance electric vehicles and charging reliability, increase U.S.-made batteries, modernize the power grid and reduce the carbon footprint of federal buildings.
California unlikely to reach clean energy targets without rooftop solar
The state’s rooftop solar industry is rapidly shedding jobs and losing companies to bankruptcy due to adversarial policy changes. The California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) offered some near-term policy changes to slow the bleeding and to address the cause of this crisis.
U.S.-made optimizers to maximize manufacturing tax credits
Solar optimizer manufacturer, Enteligent, is transitioning its production facilities to the United States in a strategic move aimed at enabling inverter manufacturers to fully capitalize on the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) $0.11/W transferable tax credit.
MAKE IT Prize accelerates clean tech manufacturing
The $30 million fund incentivizes collaboration between developers looking to build green energy manufacturing plants and communities seeking a more comprehensive socio-economic benefit from developing these facilities in their region.
U.S. government identifies 22 million acres for solar in western states
The Western Solar Plan, which will govern the leasing of US public land for solar, has been updated for the first time in more than a decade. It has identified 22 million acres (8.9 million hectares) that are best suited for solar development across 11 featured states.
NYC solar mecca created by policies and incentives
At the close of 2023, the city passed a series of zoning amendments, as part of Mayor Adams’ ‘City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality’ initiative, which will relax burdensome zoning restrictions on solar development.
‘Flexibility is key’ as energy sector moves to net-zero future
GridBeyond report notes that while a reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels and increased renewable use can lead to greater energy security and independence, grid operators have to overcome certain challenges connected to them, such as intermittency.
First Solar opens manufacturing plant in India
India’s first fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing plant will produce First Solar’s Series 7 solar PV modules developed at the company’s research centers in the U.S. The facility employs 1,000 workers.
Washington legislation intends to bring fair access to solar for all
The Fair Access to Community Solar Act will advance clean and affordable energy to historically underserved and disadvantaged Washingtonians.
