SMART solar tour complete, Massachusetts DOER readies launch
The 1.6 GW SMART program for solar power in Massachusetts completed a seven presentation tour of the state, connecting directly with local installers, and hearing the stresses.
Utilities seek greater fees on customers who go solar
The latest report from North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center finds a surge in proposed fees for distributed generation solar customers, as increasingly complicated structures are proposed to replace net metering.
Massachusetts’ SMART program is a go, but the details matter
The State of Massachusetts has officially approved its next round of solar power incentives. The program will push 1.6 GW of solar power onto the power grid.
Agrovoltaics: a solar-powered safety net for Massachusetts farmers
The long-term, steady income of solar power complements the higher revenue, but harder work of traditional farming. The Massachusetts SMART program looks to increase this trend with “agrovoltaic” incentives for solar co-located with crops.
Solar now makes up more than 10% of electricity in five states
Massachusetts has joined California, Hawaii, Nevada and Vermont in the club of states where solar represents 10% or more of in-state generation. Solar made up 2.4% of total generation in the United States during the first half of 2018, with solar and wind together making up slightly less than 10%.
Mitsubishi buys controlling stake in Nexamp
The acquisition of a share in Nexamp follows on Mitsubishi’s acquisition of BETM, which the company says will serve as the foundation for nationwide clean energy push.
Distributed storage to yield $2-3 of grid savings for each dollar spent
According to a recent study, the benefits of distributed storage would well exceed its costs, making storage a cost-effective resource that utilities must employ under Massachusetts law. The benefit/cost findings may be applicable in other states, to the extent that the Massachusetts grid is representative of other grids nationwide.
SMART problems in Massachusetts
The state’s upcoming solar program looks as if it will very quickly move through allocated volume, stranding developers and installers and tens of millions of dollars worth of projects.
Massachusetts passes energy bill without lifting net metering caps
The bill will increased the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 40% by 2030 and mandated additional energy storage, but the failure to lift net metering caps is expected to hobble mid-sized solar installations.
Massachusetts committee produces weaker energy bill
The bill will increase Massachusetts’ RPS to 40% by 2030 and increase energy storage procurement, but does not lift caps on net metering. The Sierra Club called the bill “half measures and timidity.”
