Texas could add 3.5 GW of solar this year
Additional solar could help the ERCOT grid region in Texas meet its summer peak, after it faced “tight grid conditions” last summer. New task forces aim to improve ERCOT’s markets for ancillary services and battery storage.
Trump’s mysterious cybersecurity order bans bulk-generation gear from ‘adversaries’
Although it doesn’t seem to impact solar directly, energy storage might be threatened. “The order leaves more questions than it answers,” according to Norton Rose Fulbright. What is motivating the administration? China? Why now?
Southern California Edison wants its new, huge 770 MW battery storage procurement online fast
In an era of plunging battery costs, these awards point to the end of intermittent renewables and the dawn of dispatchable solar and wind.
Soros Fund Management, Siemens make a big bet on EV charging
The two companies have invested $13.2 million into Amply Power, a service that combines EV charging hardware distribution and fleet management software into one customer-focused package.
Utility-scale roundup: The days of big solar projects in the US are back
The number of large solar projects (say, 100 MW and bigger) is rapidly increasing in the U.S. — and pv magazine is keeping track. We’ve rounded up this week’s big news in big solar.
Electricity consumption up for pizza and liquor stores, down for dry cleaning and religion
Electrical demand across most, but not all, industries is down due to the pandemic. Yet, while hospitals and pizza shops drive demand, it remains to be seen how much of this new load will be met with renewable energy.
Trina’s new solar module confirmed at 515.8 W output, roadmap set for 600 W
Trina Solar has been manufacturing its 500 W modules for a month now and plans to increase module output to more than 600 W in the future.
Morning Brief: What does the pandemic mean for the energy transition?
Also in the brief: Michigan solar installers say their future depends on lifting the energy cap. Plus, chickens.
Battery startup FreeWire raises $25 million in funding
The funding was led by an existing investor of FreeWire, BP, and will allow the company to commercialize its upcoming Boost EV Charger, as well as expand operations across the United States and into Europe.
Kauai was 56% renewably powered in 2019
Building on stretches of 100% renewable generation in late 2019, the island met 56% of its electrical demand with renewables over the year, easily surpassing state and local goals.
