Florida fighting for its solar power – one PPA at a time
A state senator has filed legislation to alter the definition of “public utility” to exclude those installing renewable energy devices of up to 2.5 MW on their own property and selling it to others, on their own property.
2018 solar power year in review (part 2)
In part 2 we look at more of some of the action in 2018, from the dramatic growth of the 100% renewable energy movement to California’s mandate for rooftop solar on new homes.
2018 solar power year in review (part 1)
Between tariffs on everything under the sun, Elon Musk’s $40 million tweet and the boom in energy storage, it’s been one Hell of a year.
Flexible solar power saves money
An analysis of a First Solar power plant in Tampa, Florida suggests that by operating solar plants with more flexibility operators can save money for ratepayers – while also allowing for significantly higher penetration levels of renewables.
The home of the future, for renters
sonnen has announced its latest sonnenCommunity in Florida, in collaboration with Pearl Homes and Google Home. The development features a smaller footprint and automated homes, with most of the units set to be rentals.
Pro-clean energy candidates for governor identified by AEE win 7 “open” elections
The new governors favor policies such as a higher renewables mandate, community solar, increased use of storage, and expanding the Western grid, reports the nonprofit Advanced Energy Economy.
Coal decline is good news, but solar will fight for its share against gas
10 GW of coal plants have already retired this year, and this is expected to hit 15.4 GW by the year’s end. But solar will have to compete with the “rush to gas” to replace this capacity.
Sunshine state makes solar powered moves
Florida regulators have given approval to Tampa Electric for 260 MW-AC of solar power across five single axis tracker facilities, as the company aims to deliver 600 MW-AC by the beginning of 2020.
Operating solar with reserve capacity enables more solar on the grid
A solar plant can increase its output by starting from a curtailment status and then reducing curtailment. If grid operators schedule in advance both solar curtailment and increased solar output, the cost-saving level of solar increases substantially.
Democrats sweep AEE clean energy scorecards
Trade group Advanced Energy Economy has published a scorecard which ranks candidates in nine gubernatorial races on clean energy issues, and one of the two major parties is largely missing in action.
