Missouri municipal utility to launch 20-year community solar program
The initial framework calls for Columbia Water & Light to distribute solar energy using a net billing system from its first two projects in the municipality, Truman and Bernadette Fields, whose 1 MW of clean energy capacity is divided into 1.5 kW blocks for residential customers, with 15% of power capacity available to eligible low-income residents.
Solar generated 7% of U.S. electricity in April
Solar electricity was up 16% from 2022, a relatively modest increase due to lower deployed solar capacity in 2022 than in 2021. For the year, solar has covered 5% of all electricity so far, with emission-free sources greater than 43%.
U.S. national labs evaluate potential for floating solar in Southeast Asia
The labs assessed the technical potential for floating PV and underlined its co-benefits in environmental protection and food security.
Using existing fences as near-zero-cost racking solution for PV deployment
Researchers are proposing to use steel zip ties to attach solar modules to fences in animal farms as a low-cost racking solution for agrivoltaic applications. They found the proposed approach is technically and economically viable, provided careful wind load tests are conducted on the fences.
Sunrise brief: Biden hails clean energy investments at new Enphase manufacturing site
Also on the rise: Michigan energy storage bills can serve as a model for the nation. DOE announces $45 million for pilot manufacturing of solar components. And more.
Duke Energy sells commercial DG business to ArcLight Capital
Combined with the sale of its utility-scale renewables business, Duke Energy has divested $3.16 billion worth of utility and distributed generation solar assets this year as the utility shifts its business to focus on its core regulated holdings.
New guidelines for inter-row spacing of PV power plants
A Canadian research group has applied new guidelines for ground coverage ratios to 31 locations in Mexico, the United States and Canada. It found the new formulae show that the factors affecting inter-row energy yield loss are highly dependent on latitude.
California’s electricity duck curve is deepening
The mismatch between times of peak solar generation and peak electricity demand is deepening, but energy storage buildout across the state is set to balance the grid.
San Diego Community Power inks solar-plus-storage deal with Ormat
The community choice aggregator entered a 20-year power purchase agreement for the 42 MW solar, 140 MWh storage project, located next to an existing Ormat Technologies geothermal facility.
New study finds growing inequality in metal footprints of renewable power value chains
A U.S.-Chinese research team has investigated the flow of iron, copper, aluminum, and other precious metals from source to end-use destination in the renewable energy infrastructure value chain. It found significant imbalances that can be attributed to the continuous outsourcing of metal demand for the renewable power sector to developing economies.
