Florida

As renewable energy and energy freedom advocates rejoice, the bill will go back to the legislature, where it initially passed with 68% of the total vote.

Participants will subscribe to a share of the utility’s solar production without having to install panels on their roof.

Also on the rise: The sky may not be falling: Heliene CEO speaks on anti-circ investigation. To speed interconnection, consider public control of grid operators, says law professor. Sachs polls says 86% of Florida voters want Gov. DeSantis to veto anti-solar bill. Maryland Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 moves to the Governor’s desk. Virginia Governor signs property tax exemption for solar installations up to 25kW. Solar drone inspection provider Raptor Maps secures $22 million Series B.

In a Sachs Media poll of Florida voters, 86% said they want Governor Ron DeSantis to veto the bill, and only 3% of respondents across party lines said they support the bill.

Institute for Local Self Reliance annual update highlights influence of renewable energy in the US energy portfolio.

Also on the rise: Solar advocates oppose Duke’s proposed NEM 2.0 in North Carolina. Indiana enables renewable-ready communities. In Virginia shared solar customers could see fixed charge. Solar+food in ethanol fields could fully power the United States. Federal support needed for US to reach 39% of carbon-free energy sector by 2035. RMI Study suggests charging EVs at work not home, to put daytime solar power to work.

Though the recently passed House Bill 741 is viewed as a loss for consumer choice and the industry, policy advocates fought for and achieved significant improvements. Palmetto’s Ryan Barnett joined pv magazine to discuss the effort and share how his company will continue to serve solar-ready Floridians.

Also on the rise: Greenbacker acquires a significant financial interest in the 150MW operating Aurora solar portfolio. Community choice solar programs save New Yorkers $7 million in seven months. LONGi pits its modules against others in snow load test. American Battery Factory announces giga-plans. UL and NREL released a report on cybersecurity certification recommendations. Vibrant Clean Energy study details approaches for Michigan to reach carbon neutrality. Wood Mac analysts help install solar in Puerto Rico.

House Bill 741 was passed by the Florida Legislature. The rate paid by utilities to rooftop solar owners for excess electricity sent back to the grid is set to be phased down to a fraction of its original rate. It also opens the door for unlimited fixed fees to be levied on solar customers.

Also on the rise: New York town plans floating-solar demonstration project. SB energy procures 1.5GW of First Solar modules. Solar Jobs Census seeks participants. Verizon Communications issues fourth green bond. Solarizing houses of worship in communities of color nationwide. Arizona Senate controls the fate of Phoenix anti-solar rate.