Distributed solar saved California over $650 million from 2013-2015
A new study finds that from 2013 through 2015, distributed PV reduced peak solar hour mean wholesale electricity prices by 8–9%, avoiding costs of $650–730 million.
Acting on racial injustice is our collective responsibility
In this op-ed for pv magazine, GRID Alternatives’ Erica Mackie argues that a recent high-profile racial harassment suit is indicative of larger problems, and that the solar industry is not immune to the structural racism within American society.
200 MW of solar power energized by 8minutenergy in California
The developer has energized Phase 1 and 2 of its Mount Signal 3 project which it expects to be fully commissioned and online by the end of 2018. The project is the second of three plants at one site which total almost 800 MW of solar power.
Setting the stage for solar + storage
In this op-ed for pv magazine, Camron Barati explores the trend towards what increasing state-level renewable power and storage targets mean for the U.S. market. The company projects 73 GW of solar PV systems will be installed in the United States from 2018 to 2022.
Powerhouse solar shingle seeks 17.1% panel efficiency
In an pre-UL Certification specification page of the Powerhouse 3.0 Solar Shingle, RGS Energy notes a 55W, 15.6% efficiency shingle and a 60W, 17.1% efficiency shingle.
Nearly 2/3 of Americans support a solar mandate for new homes
A new poll by Morning Consult found surprisingly strong support for a California-style mandate across the political spectrum, although Liberals were more likely to favor the measure than Conservatives.
California 100% renewable energy bill heads to Assembly
The bill to set California on a path to 100% renewables and “zero-carbon” sources in electricity by 2045 has passed out of an Assembly committee, following a groundswell of support.
California breakdown of electricity imports upholds states’s clean reputation
Data released by the California Energy Commission shows wind as the largest source of electricity imported in 2017, and that even with imports the state’s mix is getting cleaner.
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.
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.
