States could save consumers billions with solar, by requiring transparent utility modeling
Many utilities prepare resource plans using biased modeling choices that disadvantage low-cost solar. With transparent utility modeling, states and intervenors could easily see the bias. And if they also have access to the same model used by the utility, they can fix the errors by running the model themselves.
Michigan has its first massive solar contract
Consumers Energy has agreed to a deal with Ranger Power to purchase the output of 100 MW of Ranger’s planned 149 MW River Fork Solar project, the first deal of its kind known to pv magazine in the state.
Balancing solar development and preservation of agricultural lands in the Midwest
In this op-ed for pv magazine, Sara Bergan and Thomas Braun, attorneys at Stoel Rives LLP discuss the difficult balancing act of solar and agriculture in the emerging Midwestern market.
No climate debate at the DNC, NREL/First Solar improve thin-film cells: pvMB 8/23/19
Happy Friday one and all and welcome to today’s pvMB. Today we’ve got the Detroit Zoo going renewable, LONGi achieves AA bankability and community solar coming to Maryland. Let’s ride!
SEIA shreds DTE Energy’s resource plan
2 GW more solar in the near term would save DTE’s Michigan customers $100 million. DTE proposes only 11 MW of near-term solar, or less than one percent of the optimal amount.
Consumers Energy looks to settle its PURPA constipation
The company has filed a settlement with state regulators that would clear its 3 GW interconnection queue in exchange for the development of 150 MW of renewable energy annually.
Batteries to sell into ISO-NE wholesale market, Chattanooga’s 100% solar-powered airport: pvMB 07/31/19
Hello and welcome to today’s pvMB. Sunrun is bringing its solar + storage solution to Dallas and Houston, Elon Musk hopes that Solar Roof production will hit 1K per week, 63% of poll respondents think the Green New Deal is a “good idea”, and more!
Akasol to build new battery factory near Detroit
The German battery maker will produce batteries for electric trucks and buses at the new facility, which is expected to employ 200 workers and produce 400 megawatt-hours of batteries annually.
Solar Bill of Rights back in committee, Maine could require storage, KB new racking systems: pvMB 6/11/19
Good morning and welcome to today’s pvMB. Today we also have a ruling which could affect PG&E’s solar contracts, Michigan regulators approving Consumers’ IRP, and more!
9% of Michigan’s land area just opened up for solar
The state government has issued a ruling which opens up 5,300 square miles of the state to development – as well as providing an extra income stream to farmers.
