The solar sponge: shifting demand to soak up production
A new report by the Smart Electric Power Association argues that a process called reverse demand response can allow utilities to minimize curtailment of solar while simultaneously lowering power prices.
California grid operator opens doors for behind-the-meter batteries, distributed resources
A measure allowing behind-the-meter batteries to get paid during periods of electricity oversupply was among the measures approved by CAISO last week. Several of the changes are expected to assist with the integration of higher levels of renewable energy.
Employee owned engineering firm installing advanced electric vehicle charging on campus
Burns & McDonnell, a 6,000-strong engineering firm, is installing a Greenlots EV charging network and integrating it into the company’s campus network. The engineers hope to offer EV related services to their many electric utility customers.
Up to 10 GW more solar, 2-2.5 GW of batteries coming in California
The state’s recent passage of SB 100 and SB 700 is expected to spur a boom in solar and behind-the-meter battery deployment, and pv magazine has done the math on what we can expect.
How solar power saved $6.7 million on a Tuesday
A report analyzing the week of a heat wave in the Northeast estimates that solar power saved $30 million in wholesale electricity costs due to lowering demand at its peak during mid-day – including $6.7 million in savings on July 3rd.
Drones are accelerating solar energy’s cost advantage
In this op-ed for pv magazine, Mike Winn, CEO and co-founder of DroneDeploy explains the value of drone deployment in solar project development and maintenance.
Solar now makes up more than 10% of electricity in five states
Massachusetts has joined California, Hawaii, Nevada and Vermont in the club of states where solar represents 10% or more of in-state generation. Solar made up 2.4% of total generation in the United States during the first half of 2018, with solar and wind together making up slightly less than 10%.
Distributed storage to yield $2-3 of grid savings for each dollar spent
According to a recent study, the benefits of distributed storage would well exceed its costs, making storage a cost-effective resource that utilities must employ under Massachusetts law. The benefit/cost findings may be applicable in other states, to the extent that the Massachusetts grid is representative of other grids nationwide.
Getting regionalization right: an interview with Lauren Navarro, EDF
In this pv magazine exclusive interview, Lauren Navarro of Environmental Defense Fund provides insights into AB 813, a bill to allow California to participate in the creation of a regional grid in the Western United States.
A plan for California to kick the gas habit
A set of analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists show distinct pathways for California to lower its total gas plants from 89 units today, down to 33 units. The analysis suggests a combination of 25 GW of solar, wind, storage and more.
