PV and energy storage expected to be 62% of U.S. capacity additions 2022-23
The U.S. is expected to add 78 GW generating capacity over the next two years, 49 GW of which is expected to be large-scale solar and energy storage.
NEM 3.0 erodes solar value, makes batteries essential, and weakens grid flexibility in California
Batteries are considered a necessary part of a residential solar array to achieve energy bill savings under the proposed changes of California’s NEM 3.0. But the way batteries are expected to be utilized as a result will be a loss for society.
Policy leads the way: Impactful action at the state level in 2021
While federal policy action (or inaction) grabs all the headlines, let’s look back at some of the most impactful state and local developments from 2021.
U.S. identified land that could support 100 GW of federal solar infrastructure
About 1,400 square miles of public land could be leased by the federal government for solar development, which would effectively double U.S. installed capacity. The Bureau of Land Management took a first step, approving 465 MW solar, 400 MW storage in California across two projects.
Iron flow battery PV microgrid for fire-prone California
ESS announced the integration of its long-duration batteries for a microgrid project commissioned by San Diego Gas & Electric to mitigate and increase resilience to wildfires.
Sunrise brief: California is the first state to require solar power and batteries for all new commercial structures
Also on the rise: Canadian BIPV manufacturer releases solar modules that look like roof shingles, microgrids solve modern-day energy challenges, what may be the world’s largest battery complete, Colorado utility releases RFP for solar with battery storage.
Want to go to Disneyland? You could take a solar-charged electric bus
Sage Energy Consulting will be assisting Anaheim Transportation Network on a comprehensive multi-stage plan to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, save on their electric costs and intelligently charge their new electric buses.
California first state to require solar power and batteries in commercial structures
The state has updated its Build Energy Efficiency Standards to include requirements for solar plus storage on all commercial and multifamily homes, while also requiring that all new residential construction – which already requires solar – to be energy storage ready.
U.S. residential solar trends, 2021
In 2021, residential solar reached several milestones and extreme weather raised customer interest in home energy storage systems.
Sempra Foundation donates more than $350,000 to help install solar for California tribal communities
Sempra Foundation funding goes to GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
