Capital Dynamics, Tenaska join booming Midwest solar market
The developer and asset manager have signed a deal to develop 2 GWac of solar projects in six Midwestern states – more than the entire capacity that is currently online in those states. But this appears to only the beginning for the region.
Overbuilding solar cheaper than seasonal storage and natural gas in Minnesota
An analysis by Clean Power Research, commissioned by the MN Solar Pathways Initiative, shows that 10% solar by 2025, and 70% wind+solar+storage in 2050 can be achieved at a comparable cost to natural gas-fired generation.
Pro-clean energy candidates for governor identified by AEE win 7 “open” elections
The new governors favor policies such as a higher renewables mandate, community solar, increased use of storage, and expanding the Western grid, reports the nonprofit Advanced Energy Economy.
Minnesota credit union solar loans will c u to green
Minnesota credit unions have launched a new program to offer solar power finance to their 1.7 million members. This program offers residential loans, and commercial PACE loans, funding up to 100% of the projects.
Democrats sweep AEE clean energy scorecards
Trade group Advanced Energy Economy has published a scorecard which ranks candidates in nine gubernatorial races on clean energy issues, and one of the two major parties is largely missing in action.
Community solar for a dime in Minnesota
Minnesota regulators have approved a 1.5¢/kWh incentive for residential customers of “solar gardens”, as they seek to boost the residential to commercial customer wattage ratio from the current 1:9.
Minnesota groups back higher renewables mandate
With Minnesota’s utilities set to exceed the state’s Renewable Energy Standard, a statewide clean energy association is talking with candidates for governor to promote a higher mandate, to help attract renewables investment and jobs. Similar efforts are underway in eight other states.
Minnesota community solar reaches 400 MW milestone
By adding over 100 MW in the last 5 months, the nation’s leading community solar program keeps growing, with no signs of slowing down.
Minnesota gets its first large-scale energy storage system (and you get free solar honey!)
Connexus Energy has broken ground on two solar+storage facilities – totaling 10 MW-AC solar and 15 MW / 30 MWh of energy storage. When connected by end of year, they’ll be the first large-scale energy storage systems put online in Minnesota, and the largest energy storage for a co-op in the United States.
Heliene retools its Minnesota module factory
The Canadian PV maker is planning to reopen its factory in Northern Minnesota in August, and another factory in Oregon later this year.
