North Carolina

Also on the rise: The Rocky Mountain Institute released a report outlining how its vision of “community solar+” can spread the benefits of solar throughout our communities. Qcells holds onto its number one spot in US market, rebrands, and recommits. NV Energy is accepting proposals for solar projects, as well as energy storage, wind, and other forms of renewables. First Solar closes 4GW module supply agreement with Silicon Ranch. Duke Energy’s Stony Knoll 22.6MW solar power plant now operational in North Carolina.

The project, owned and operated by Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, was selected as part of the competitive bidding process established by 2017’s solar legislation in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Supreme Court is set to rule on Belmont v. Farwig, a case that will set precedent for homeowner’s associations to prevent the installation of solar PV.

Also on the rise: Duke seeks to procure an additional 700MW of solar in 2022. Greenbacker annual revenues grow 39% to $107 million. Kansas state Senator Mike Thomas has made several attempts at legislation that is considered anti-solar in his state, and at times shared false information about the health and economic impacts of renewable energy.

If approved, the new procurement would raise Duke’s total 2022 solicitation to 1,300MW, a figure equivalent to 30% of all the solar the company has installed in North Carolina to date.

Also on the rise: PVEL teams up with drone inspection specialist. Job moves at CleanCapital, Lumio, Factorial Energy, and more. FERC Commissioner Phillips’s views on how to improve transmission, interconnection. Solar advocates reaffirm their approval of Duke Energy’s proposed NEM 2.0 in North Carolina. Solar forecasting teams win prizes from government competition. Longi achieves 25.47% efficiency for gallium-doped p-type heterojunction solar cell. SolarJuice Technology launches American-made modules for commercial solar projects.

While the proposal includes policies that have been considered harmful in the past, the market certainty it provides is immensely more valuable to the health of the state’s market than a worst-case scenario where the incentive program expires entirely, according to advocates.

Also on the rise: Solar advocates oppose Duke’s proposed NEM 2.0 in North Carolina. Indiana enables renewable-ready communities. In Virginia shared solar customers could see fixed charge. Solar+food in ethanol fields could fully power the United States. Federal support needed for US to reach 39% of carbon-free energy sector by 2035. RMI Study suggests charging EVs at work not home, to put daytime solar power to work.

Add North Carolina to the list of states considering changes to net metering rules, as Duke Energy proposes shifting costs to solar customers.

The two projects will add over 70MW of capacity to the company’s North Carolina solar portfolio.