Standardization: The sign of a maturing solar industry
The model of industry-wide standardization is one that the solar industry should look to achieve. A set of reliable rapid-shutdown standards will provide installers with the same level of choice and simplicity that other industries enjoy.
Louisiana’s largest solar project sold, largest rooftop project in the state completed
The two big solar announcements come on the heels of Entergy’s new commitment to achieve “net-zero emissions” by 2050, even though these plans still rely heavily on natural gas generation.
Northvolt raises $600 million for lithium battery gigafactory from VW and Spotify cofounder
The European battery manufacturer has raised the funds with a private shares placement which included the co-founder and CEO of music streaming service Spotify.
Morning Brief: Revenue streams of CAISO batteries, Entergy still on the gas, New Hampshire NEM
Also in the brief: EPA raises legal questions about California’s plan to ban new gas-powered cars starting in 2035
What is distributed generation’s real worth for the grid?
A thought experiment by Severin Borenstein suggests how much rooftop solar could reduce transmission and distribution costs.
Solar and wind generation continue to expand rapidly while coal is in a tailspin
The EIA’s most recent Electric Power Monthly report shows that solar has accounted for nearly 3.4% of the country’s generation so far in 2020, with wind being responsible for another 8.5%. Meanwhile, coal has plummeted to just 17.8% of the nation’s total, down nearly 30% from just last year.
Utility-scale solar powers through 2020 with action in Texas, Arizona, Nevada and Indiana
Here’s this week’s gigawatt of big solar project news.
Can a 20-person startup with $25 million get Oklo’s fast-fission micro-reactor to market?
New generation of entrepreneurs aim to commercialize an advanced fission micro-reactor to compete against diesel gensets in remote and island communities. Technological and regulatory challenges abound.
Morning Brief: Energy secretary slams ‘radical environmentalists,’ touts gas and nuclear as California’s energy future
Also in the brief: $1 million fine at stake as Minnesota solar developers fault Xcel for project delays, more on interconnection.
Investing in equitable access to solar energy for Hispanic communities
As one of the fastest growing American communities, the Hispanic population has been historically underrepresented in solar energy. The barriers that have excluded Hispanic people from solar, however, are not permanent and work can be done to ensure an equitable energy transition.
