Massachusetts

The 2022 Community Power Scorecard developed by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance grades the states on which give communities the most power to advance clean energy and which present barriers to local economic development through renewable power. Only four received top grades, indicating that most states have a lot of work to do.

Also on the rise: Perch Energy to bring community solar to Massachusetts. US start-up mPower Technology is scaling up its flexible crystalline silicon solar module technology for spatial and terrestrial applications. Popular mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience store chain, Sheetz, has come to a long-term renewable energy supply agreement with Constellation. Ohio regulators approve 325MW solar project. The Massachusetts Solar Technical Assistance Retrofits program has committed to 3MW of development. Despite Q4 loss, REC Silicon has big plans for US polysilicon manufacturing.

The Massachusetts Solar Technical Assistance Retrofits (STAR) program has committed to 3MW of development.

Spun-off from BlueWave solar, Perch Energy brings experience spanning 500MW of contracted capacity. Massachusetts ranks third in the nation in community solar, and was one of the first in the country to establish it.

While there are mechanical and cost issues that currently block widespread adoption of wave energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is exploring new ways to harness the power of the ocean’s waves.

Verdagy announced it secured a $25 million investment for its new electrolyzer technology.

Also on the rise: Convalt Energy steers arounds obstacles on its way to solar manufacturing in New York. NABCEP and EnergySage release survey for solar installers. Recycled silicon used in PERC solar cells. Michigan DTE seeks 500MW of renewables. Grazing sheep under solar increases carbon sequestration. Robot dog monitors PV plant. Greenback acquires several installations in Massachusetts.

The 16 installations in the portfolio all entered operation between the third quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2020, and each has an offtaker contracted for its generation.

Also on the rise: Phoenix solar market could be brought back to life. Owners of distributed solar and distributed storage may soon earn money from participating in wholesale markets through an aggregator. Hyperlight licenses design of plastic CSP receiver from NREL. Fire at Vistra’s Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility not caused by battery. Mississippi Power issues RFP seeking 200MW of solar. Cybersecurity specialist offers considerations for renewable power plants. Massachusetts community solar to provide electricity bill credits to low-income subscribers

The 45MW of solar and 88MWh of battery energy storage will operate under Massachusetts’ SMART and Low Income Community Shared Solar programs, providing electricity bill credits to low-income subscribers