Batteries buying “free” California solar, driving up price
Aurora Energy Research has found that energy storage is raising the value of negatively priced solar electricity by up to $42 per MWh in the CAISO wholesale market.
“Pry open” VPP markets by ensuring VPP providers may access customer data, groups say
Two groups allege that utilities are blocking virtual power plant aggregators from accessing the meter data they need to provide a VPP. The groups call for using antitrust law to “pry open” VPP markets.
Base Power announces battery-free Texas retail energy plan across major utility territories
The company says it can save the majority of Texans money by leveraging its fleet of home batteries to offer “all-in” rates between 13.2 and 15.7 cents per kWh.
Arizona task force roadmap prioritizes virtual power plants and distributed solar to cut energy costs
Arizona’s Energy Promise Taskforce released 31 recommendations calling for the accelerated deployment of virtual power plants and distributed solar to meet a projected 40% increase in peak demand.
Minnesota PUC approves utility battery program while deferring VPP decisions
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved 50 MW to 200 MW of utility-owned storage while requiring Xcel Energy to study the grid value of distributed resources.
Solar keeps slimming down while power rises
An international study found that the specific power of commercial silicon solar modules increased from 8.5 W/kg in the early 2000s to 23.6 W/kg today, driven by advances in module design, bifaciality, and temperature management. The researchers highlighted that glass and framing dominate module weight, and considering operating conditions like nominal operating cell temperature and rear-side illumination is essential for accurate PV system design.
Vertical rooftop PV debuts in the U.S.
Norwegian vertical solar specialist Over Easy Solar has installed its first rooftop vertical solar installation in the U.S. market. The 100 kW system, combined with a green roof in New York, is expected to deliver around 120,000 kWh annually depending on factors including albedo, azimuth and local shadowing.
Generac and CPower announce DER program for commercial and industrial customers
The partnership will bring access to distributed energy programs across the PJM interconnection for Generac’s C&I customers through CPower’s platform.
New York can’t afford to wait: we need modern meter socket adapter rules now
New York is facing a dual crisis of energy affordability and bottlenecks to new generation interconnection. The New York Public Service Commission can take action to make affordable technologies available to New Yorkers.
PowerBank announces $1.1M in new funding for New York community solar project
The 7.1 MW Jordan Rd 2 project funding announcement comes nearly one month after similar news about the company’s 7 MW Jordan Rd 1 project. Both installations will operate as community solar facilities following construction.
