Illinois

The utility is looking to move forward with a new rebate structure worth half the value of net metering, despite regulators’ orders to keep the rate in place until questions about the calculations Ameren is using to justify the new rate can be answered.

Also in the brief: Aurora adds battery backup recommendations to its solar design software, Global energy storage capacity could grow at a CAGR of 31%.

Also in the brief: Western Australia’s largest operating solar project, California’s recent grid woes

Also in the brief: Peabody to write down value of largest U.S. coal mine by $1.42 billion, First Solar joins RE100

Also in the brief: Connecticut’s cautious and failed first step on shared solar, and which states are making the most progress on emissions? Not the ones you think.

Also in the brief: San José Clean Energy and Peninsula Clean Energy have launched a joint request for offers for the purchase of 1 million MWh annually of new, long-term renewable energy.

Also in the brief: Joe Biden’s $2 trillion plan, APS details cause of battery fire and explosion

“Reports indicate that the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, the Heartland Institute and NERA all have ties to the Koch brothers, who have funded climate denial and pro-fossil fuel campaigns for roughly three decades.”

Opposition to solar project siting can be turned into broad support by designing projects with “pollinator-friendly” landscaping — a trend gaining momentum across the country.

The number of large solar projects (say, 100 MW and bigger) is rapidly increasing in the U.S. — and pv magazine is keeping track. We’ve rounded up this week’s big news in big solar.