Solar market update: Southeast U.S.
State-by-state insights shared at the RE+ Southeast conference held in Atlanta this month.
Citizens groups criticize TVA’s decision to build a 1.5 GW gas plant
TVA decided not to choose solar and storage despite 15 GW of such projects in its interconnection queue. TVA’s board of directors could overturn the gas plant decision, said an environmental law group spokesperson.
U.S. states have a lot of work to do on energy policy
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance rates states on policies related to energy democracy and accountability, and with 26 receiving failing grades, this year’s scorecard suggests that states can do far better.
First Solar to support 12 GW growth trajectory with $1 billion revolving credit
On June 30, the Arizona-based producer of U.S.-made solar panels arranged a new $1 billion credit facility that includes a sub-limit of $250 million of available letters of credit from eleven financial institutions.
Above: Orbital and Ascent Solar receive federal grant for orbital thin-film panels
The companies received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program Phase I award from the Air Force to develop a solar-heated crucible.
First Solar Q1 2023 revenue down, with investments in U.S. facilities taking precedent
Company expects to recognize about 25% of its full year guidance in the first half of 2023 and 75% in the second half, based on the advanced manufacturing production tax credit (45X) of the IRA taking effect.
Toyota manufacturing plant in Alabama to power 70% of operations with solar
The $49 million, 30 MW project will help Toyota on its path toward carbon neutrality by 2035.
Solar Energy Loan Fund surpasses $30 million of residential loans
The non-profit green bank has sourced credit to clientele of which 74% are low-to-moderate income homeowners.
Silicon Ranch brings in $600 million of new equity investments
The Southeast-focused solar developer is on track to cap a $1 billion full-year equity raise with a $225 million round over the next quarter.
North American EV battery production forecast to reach 1 TWh annually by 2030
Rust Belt states of the Midwest have estimated production capacity of 30 GW to over 100 GW per year of EV batteries, with California and Ontario adding capacity as well.
