Vistra, Tesla and PG&E seeking world’s first 1 GWh+ batteries
PG&E is seeking approval from California regulators for four energy storage projects totalling 567 MW / 2.27 GWh – including a 300 MW / 1200 MWh system by Vistra Energy, and a 182.5 MW / 730 MWh system by Tesla.
REC Silicon lays off 40% of US workforce, reduces production
The Norwegian polysilicon maker has announced that it will today lay off around 100 employees from its Washington plant and reduce production, as a “direct result” of the trade dispute between the United States and China.
Trackers taking over the market: An interview with Eb Russell, RP Construction Services
In this interview, RPCS founder & President Eb Russell explores the factors behind how trackers are taking over the utility-scale solar market, as well as giving insights on the solar contracting business in the wake of the Section 201 tariffs.
Solar at the stadium
A new report from SEIA finds that more and more franchises, from the NFL to Indycar, are choosing to add solar power to their stadiums and venues.
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.
