Rhode Island

In late April, daytime net demand fell below overnight power consumption for the first time on the New England grid, thanks to rooftop and other behind-the-meter solar.

Scientists led by Brown University have developed perovskite solar cells, which replace the toxic lead common to many of these material structures with titanium. The researchers say that with further optimization, the material could eventually be ideal for use as a tandem cell layer.

The procurement will put the state closer to Governor Raimondo’s goal to reach 1 GW of renewable energy by the end of 2020.

The phase one report on the grid modernization initiative in the Ocean State looks a lot like New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) process.

Greentech Media’s Solar and Storage Symposium looked at the big picture in terms of policies and markets, in a region where complexity reigns.

Cadmus Group is working to standardize PV installation inspections and is building a database of common installation errors.

The two organizations are pushing for the role of utilities to be more of an impartial integrator and market enabler for third-party solutions, as the state plans the integration of more renewables.

Like other large third-party solar companies Vivint is increasingly moving away from the leasing model to direct sales.

A new report by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) indicates businesses want to settle in states with good clean-energy infrastructures.

The money will go to 17 projects designed to reduce soft costs and maximize solar’s benefits for states.