With more solar and wind, North America’s grid is getting more reliable
In this op-ed for pv magazine, Will Driscoll examines the findings of a NERC report which show that the reliability factor known as frequency response—once seen as potentially challenged by added solar and wind power—is improving.
Elon Musk’s unprecedented solar+storage vision for Puerto Rico moves forward
Puerto Rico is requesting ten 20 MW / 20 MWh batteries to be deployed strategically in the country’s power grid. The RFQ notes that sites should be upgradable to 40 MW / 160 MWh.
South Carolina net metering cap increase derailed
The SC Senate budget committee has removed an amendment that would have lifted the restrictive 2% caps on net metered-solar from the state’s budget bill. The caps could be hit in both utility service areas by the end of the year.
LG to make high-efficiency solar panels in Alabama
LG Electronics has announced plans for a 500 MW/year solar module manufacturing facility in Huntsville to make its NeON2 60-cell 340-W modules. With this and other factories the nation will be well over the 2.5 GW cell exemption under Section 201.
Monocrystalline solar prices fall
The latest figures from Taiwanese analytics firm PVInsights shows that prices for monocrystalline solar PV products have fallen sharply in a week-on-week comparison. The price drops for wafers were particularly strong.
174 Power to build Wyoming’s first large solar project
The project development subsidiary of Hanwha Q Cells has received the go-ahead from the BLM for an 80 MW-AC solar project in southwestern Wyoming.
Solar bond pays for 12 solar installations, with no taxpayer cost
The City of Albuquerque has revealed details of the first phase of $25 million in solar power investments, as part of its goal to bring the city to 25% renewables. The first 12 projects are on local structures including fire and police stations, increasing resilience.
GT Advanced Technologies opens silicon carbide factory in New Hampshire
The upstream technology company plans to sell silicon carbide for applications including advanced inverters for solar and battery storage, as part of a new emphasis on materials supply.
Ska Brewing adds solar to renewable arsenal
Named after everbody’s favorite mashup genre, the company has gone 100% renewable with the addition of their new solar project
Solar trade dispute: U.S. agrees to consultation w/ Korea, EU, China, Malaysia & Thailand
Through the consultation, the United States aims to settle the dispute over the 30% import tariffs introduced under Section 201.
