All in: PG&E signs energy storage deals totaling 165 MW
The most recent contracts, which still need to be approved by California regulators, are part of their state-mandated goal of adding 580 MW of storage by 2020.
California, Illinois and Texas lead grid modernization efforts
The report’s authors believe clean energy targets by states, cities, and corporations are driving utility efforts to accommodate rapid growth in distributed efforts like rooftop solar and wind, among others.
Have your solar electricity and eat tomatoes, too?
A California university demonstrates using translucent dye-treated glazing for PV powered greenhouses that can also provide photosynthetic light for plant growing.
NREL/First Solar/CAISO project honored for supply of ancillary services
California ISO says that the project shows that renewable energy plants with smart inverter technology can provide grid services similar to, or in some cases better than conventional generation.
California low-income multifamily solar program moves forward
After two years of delays, the process to implement the $1 billion SOMAH program is moving forward.
Lazard shows ongoing cost declines in solar (w/ charts)
The consultancy’s 2017 study finds that the global cost of utility-scale solar has reached an unsubsidized LCOE of under $50 per megawatt-hour, making new solar cost-competitive with running existing coal or nuclear plants.
Renewable energy drives California emissions reductions (w/ chart)
The state’s 5% reduction in greenhouse gases in 2016 is almost entirely due to the replacement of fossil fuel generation with renewable energy.
Renovate America launches online solar, home improvement marketplace
The financing provider is joining at least two other online solar marketplaces, in a new way to sell residential solar
Rocky Mountain Institute issues guide for greener cities
The RMI handbook provides a template to reduce and eliminate cities’ carbon footprints, including solar implementation strategies and examples.
California’s big utilities to reach 50% renewable energy in 2020
PG&E, SDG&E and SCE are expecting to meet the state’s ambitious 50% target 10 years early, with contract prices for utility-scale solar projects falling to below $30/megawatt-hour (MWh).
