Policy leads the way: Impactful action at the state level in 2021
While federal policy action (or inaction) grabs all the headlines, let’s look back at some of the most impactful state and local developments from 2021.
U.S. identified land that could support 100 GW of federal solar infrastructure
About 1,400 square miles of public land could be leased by the federal government for solar development, which would effectively double U.S. installed capacity. The Bureau of Land Management took a first step, approving 465 MW solar, 400 MW storage in California across two projects.
Aerospace manufacturer Rocket Lab takes over space solar cell maker Solaero
Rocket Lab has acquired space solar cell maker Solaero for $80 million. The latter operates an 11,000m2 manufacturing facility in New Mexico and produces multi-junction cells with efficiencies ranging from 29.4% to 32%.
Wells Fargo provides tax equity financing for solar+storage project
The 300 MWAC solar and 150 MWAC/600 MWh battery energy storage system facility is being build in northwestern New Mexico.
Startup Sunday: $13 million round for solar module-mounted storage
Also starting up: Shell buys a solar developer, and a New Mexico startup installs electricity producing windows using quantum dot technology.
D.E. Shaw lines up financing for solar and energy storage project
The first phase of the project is expected to enter service in June with full commercial operation anticipated for fall 2022.
RFP alert: El Paso Electric will add capacity to meet state RPS goals by 2025
The RPS requires the utility to meet 40% of its New Mexico sales with renewable energy resources beginning in 2025.
Kit Carson hits its solar goal a year early
The electric co-op is en route to meeting 100% of its daytime energy load entirely with solar generation after securing financing for 21 MW of solar and 15 MW of storage.
New Mexico gains a community solar program
The state’s governor signed Senate Bill 84 into law, paving the way for a statewide community solar program in 2022 that includes a 30% capacity carveout for low-income people and service organizations.
New Mexico bill would set up a statewide community solar program
SB 84 would establish a 100 MW community solar program and also include a 30% annual capacity carve-out for low-income customers and related service organizations.
