Portland utility proposes $1/kWh incentive for residential peak shaving
The utility aims for at least 66% participation in a residential demand response pilot. It also gives customers the option of moving to a lower rate structure by allowing the utility to automatically reduce their consumption during peak periods.
pvMB: Borrego Solar breaks 500 MW, Alabama gas+solar+storage microgrid, bill introduced for 100% renewables nationwide
Today’s pv magazine USA morning brief also features the EIA projecting 4.3 GWac of utility scale solar in 2019, SunPower tapping a new executive to lead its technology business unit, President Trump nominating former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler to stay on as the head of the EPA, and more!
Six paths to 100% renewables for Los Angeles
Added transmission, varying levels of distributed generation, and increasing levels of “load modernization” are all under consideration in an NREL study. The results could illuminate paths for California and other states to reach 100% zero-carbon or renewable energy targets.
Ammonia in the mix for future storage technologies
Japan’s JGC Corporation reports an efficient method of converting hydrogen to ammonia, which can later be combusted to generate carbon-free electricity. Ammonia, according to JGC, has various advantages over hydrogen in terms of safety and cost effectiveness.
pvMB: 850 MW of solar portfolio transactions, updated residential ROIs, surveys, more!
In today’s pv magazine morning brief, John Hancock and APEX Clean Energy buy into 412 and 443 MW solar portfolios, Solarpowerrocks.com updates their residential return on investment charts, Swift Solar raises $4.6 million for perovskite research, Wood Mackenzie requests residential acquisition costs survey, more!
PVEL splits from DNV GL
The testing lab is on its own again after a management buyout, and Jenya Meydbray is returning as CEO. PVEL will still collaborate with DNV GL on its annual module scorecard.
California grid data is live – solar developers take note
California’s updated maps to the power grid – ICA 2.0 – went online as of December 28, offering insight at every point on the circuit which could affect how much solar can be attached.
As utilities fight distributed generation, electricity is getting less reliable
One of the best tools that would allow utilities to meet their central stated mission of providing a stable electricity supply is one they are fighting the hardest.
Utility scale solar power plus lithium ion storage cost breakdown
NREL has released an inaugural report highlighting utility scale energy storage costs with various methods of tying it to solar power: co-located or not, and DC- vs AC-coupled.
Higher module efficiencies and inverters driving solar power cost declines
NREL’s Q1 2018 cost report for solar power systems saw a 5% drop in residential costs and a 2.6% fall in commercial, but a 1-2% increase in the utility scale space compared to the previous year.
