The necessary evil that is net metering
Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests that as net metering expands, financially challenged electric customers will begin to pay a higher share of the electric companies guaranteed revenue streams – and while this would be true in a static world – the broader picture of the value of individual energy empowerment makes this an acceptable systemic risk.
Recognizing and combating power quality issues in solar power systems
Solar energy can greatly reduce energy bills, can be used for a wide variety of applications and costs very little to maintain. However, even though it is considered an excellent source of renewable energy, it is not immune to its own unique problems and challenges.
Section 201, the sequel: what will come of the solar tariffs?
With the impending mid-term review of the Section 201 tariffs, Tony Clifford of Standard Solar examines the outcomes brought about thus far by the tariffs, the health of the solar industry and the how pricing has been affected.
Balancing solar development and preservation of agricultural lands in the Midwest
In this op-ed for pv magazine, Sara Bergan and Thomas Braun, attorneys at Stoel Rives LLP discuss the difficult balancing act of solar and agriculture in the emerging Midwestern market.
From the editor: Functioning democracy looks like Greta Thunberg
If the American people had their way, we would have deployed much more solar by now, and would be further along towards decarbonization. Instead utilities have joined the fossil fuel industries in using their power and money to slow down the energy transition.
All-terrain tracking systems: optimizing the production value of variable terrain
In this op-ed, Yezin Taha of Nevados Engineering introduces all-terrain tracking as a potentially superior solution for sites with sloped terrain.
The case for a U.S. federal green bank
In this post ClimateWorks makes the argument that whether you are looking to support innovation or deployment of existing clean energy solutions, a federal Green Bank would be a powerful tool for advancing the energy transition.
Freedom photons because solar power is July 4
Solar power represents the idea of individualism within a broader society unlike few others things, and this is one reason it polls so high, sells so much, and will dominate our future energy ecosystems while shaping our political systems.
From the editor: Mandates or open markets?
There is a stark partisan division over clean/renewable energy mandates in the United States. Are they necessary to achieve rapid decarbonization?
Tom Fanning defends Southern Company’s low- to no-carbon goal in misleading interview
In this op-ed, Energy and Policy Institute looks at fact versus fiction in Southern CEO Tom Fanning’s public statements about the power company’s “low- to no-carbon” goals.
