Ups and Downs: The pv magazine USA news digest
This week saw bad news and good news in the U.S. Solar market, with layoffs at Enphase and a congressional investigation, but also some positive market momentum in Minnesota and several large projects announced in Western states.
Idaho puts online its first large solar project at 40 MW-AC
It’s the largest PV project in Idaho to come online to date, but has received little press.
SnapNrack Hits 1 GW of U.S. Deployment
SnapNrack, a unit of Sunrun, announced that it has hit the 1 GW mark for total deployed solar mounting systems.
Enphase Energy to trim workforce by 11%, embarks on $20m cost-cutting drive
U.S. microinverter specialist announces restructuring and cost savings initiative that will see the firm reduce its global workforce by around 11% and cut annual operating expenses by $20 million.
Musk to unveil Tesla/SolarCity solar roof next month
Tech entrepreneur tweets brisk details of joint Tesla-SolarCity launch next month of integrated solar rooftop, Powerwall 2.0 battery and Tesla charger.
First Solar, Tenaska put online 150 MW solar project in Southern California
The project puts utility SDG&E farther ahead of state renewable energy mandates.
North American consortium to build cross-border microgrid
Joint venture between U.S. and Canadian companies wants to prove microgrids are the future to integrating renewable energy sources into power generation mixes.
Solar, efficiency can help mitigate energy use from marijuana cultivation
EQ Research has released a report looking at intense energy use in the booming U.S. marijuana industry, and means to control GHG emissions.
GameChange Solar Wins 100 MW Racking Order
GameChange Solar, based in New York, announced that it has been awarded an order for a 100 MW Max-Span post-driven racking system for a project that will be installed in late 2016.
L’Oreal USA turns back time to 2005 (and beyond)
Two solar arrays in Florence, Ky., and North Little Rock, Ark., will exceed the cosmetic giant’s sustainability goals by cutting emissions more than 60 percent below 2005 levels.
