Opinion & analysis

Transitioning to a clean-energy future is not just a matter of environmental stewardship, but an investment in national security.

Does it seem like every month there are new or changing requirements for products in the solar and storage industry? How is it possible to make sense of all the changes? This series will consider requirements used for the certification of grid support utility-interactive inverters and how they have and continue to evolve. This article will focus is on grid support utility-interactive PV inverters, regardless of the primary power source. Some of the standards discussed cover more product categories than solely grid support utility-interactive inverters. The rapid growth of the PV and storage industry has been the main driver for the updates covered.

Also on the rise: Advanced conductors could enable 27GW more renewable power per year. Solar-powered data server network developed to frame the internet as a natural resource. Stanford flips the switch on new solar array, powering campus with 100% renewables. Project between Maui Electric and Paeahu Solar moves forward. Global tracker provider FTC Solar posts 130% growth in 2021. Newer and larger solar plants perform better, while older plants pick up steam with repowering.

From duties to tariffs to COVID-19 and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, a look at the supply chain issues threatening the solar module supply market.

Also on the rise: Massachusetts issues request for proposals to develop a plan guiding the deployment of 10-20GW of solar power. Honeywell batteries deployed at Hecate Energy utility-scale solar and storage project. SEIA offers framework for siting community solar projects. A clunky tax credit system keeps vital incentives like the ITC and PTC from working the way Congress intended. Solar maintained its place as the country’s fastest-growing electrical resource, while widespread droughts caused hydropower to fall and coal saw a brief resurgence. Auxin antidumping case “an affront to the industry” said SOLV Energy CEO

A clunky tax credit system keeps vital incentives like the ITC and PTC from working the way Congress intended. Direct pay is the key to ensuring US projects have efficient access to low cost capital with greater certainty by providing cash incentives directly to clean energy projects and project sponsors.

Material shortages, trade restrictions, and shipping bottlenecks create challenges for PV module buyers, but the good news is that there are steps to take to ensure quality and timely supply.

At a recent power finance conference in New York, experts discussed the growing opportunities for installing storage projects, as well as considerations for where the storage markets need to mature to make them more financeable.

Your client has a new project and is committed to making a difference through zero net energy goals. How do you work with them to find the best solution to meet their needs and limitations?

As global markets transition toward more renewable energy sources, cyber hackers will look for ways to exploit those resources. Cybersecurity is now a business imperative.